Responding to Coronavirus COVID-19: How grant makers and the government have responded
Navigating the new do’s and don’ts and what support is and isn’t available is a fast moving and crowded place. We hope this guide will keep you up to date with the main areas of concern for Trusts and Foundations. The Charity Commission response The Charity Commission has updated its guidance in response to COVID-19; please see here for details. In summary, the guidance states that: A charity cannot expand its beneficiary class because it suddenly wants to help a wider beneficiary group during the COVID crisis. If the governing documents do not give express powers to change the beneficiary group, then Charity Commission permission would still be needed. Some of the government’s business support measures apply to charities. Restricted funds may, in some instances and as a last resort, be able to be used by the charity facing financial problems but professional advice should be taken. AGMs. If trustees