Becoming a Charity

If you're thinking of becoming a charity in Scotland, our guidance will help you to understand what's involved in setting up a Scottish charity.

What is a charity?

Find out what being a charity in Scotland means, how charities are set up and what the purpose of a charity is.

Meeting the charity test

Learn more about the charity test, a set of requirements your organisation must meet in order to become a charity.

Preparing for your application

Find out what you need to consider, and information you need to prepare, before you apply to become a charity in Scotland.

How to apply

Ready to apply? Find out more about the application process to become a charity in Scotland.

Resume an application

Use our online application to start a new application, or to resume an application you haven’t completed yet.

Cross-border charity regulation

Find out about the requirements of cross-border charities that operate in both England and Wales and Scotland, and when these charities need to register with OSCR.

About Charities

Managing a Charity