A charitable organization or charity is an organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social well-being (e.g. educational , religious or other activities serving the public interest or common good ).
112-606: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( RSPCA ) is a charity operating in England and Wales which promotes animal welfare. The RSPCA is funded primarily by voluntary donations. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation in the world, and is one of the largest charities in the UK. The organisation also does international outreach work across Europe, Africa and Asia. The charity's work has inspired
224-622: A Board of Taxation inquiry to consult with charities on the bill. However, due to widespread criticism from charities, the government abandoned the bill. Subsequently, the government introduced the Extension of Charitable Purpose Act 2004 . This act did not attempt to codify the definition of a charitable purpose but rather aimed to clarify that certain purposes were charitable, resolving legal doubts surrounding their charitable status. Among these purposes were childcare, self-help groups, and closed/contemplative religious orders. To publicly raise funds,
336-679: A CHY number from the Revenue Commissioners, a CRO number from the Companies Registration Office , and a charity number from the Charities Regulator. The Irish Nonprofits Database was created by Irish Nonprofits Knowledge Exchange (INKEx) to serve as a repository for regulatory and voluntarily disclosed information about Irish public benefit nonprofits. Charitable organizations in Nigeria are registerable under "Part C" of
448-405: A benefactor offering a prize of one hundred pounds for the winning entry. The terms of the competition stipulated: "The Essay required is one which shall morally illustrate, and religiously enforce, the obligation of man towards the inferior and dependent creatures--their protection and security from abuse, more especially as regards those engaged in service, and for the use and benefit of mankind-on
560-609: A charity in Australia must register in each Australian jurisdiction in which it intends to raise funds. For example, in Queensland, charities must register with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading . Additionally, any charity fundraising online must obtain approval from every Australian jurisdiction that mandates such approval. Currently, these jurisdictions include New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, and
672-527: A complex set of reliefs and exemptions from taxation in the UK. These include reliefs and exemptions in relation to income tax , capital gains tax , inheritance tax , stamp duty land tax , and value added tax . These tax exemptions have led to criticisms that private schools are able to use charitable status as a tax avoidance technique rather than offering a genuine charitable good. The Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 subjects charities to regulation by
784-409: A disproportionate amount of their income to pay the salaries of their leadership. Financial figures (e.g. tax refund, revenue from fundraising, revenue from the sale of goods and services or revenue from investment) are indicators to assess the financial sustainability of a charity, especially to charity evaluators . This information can impact a charity's reputation with donors and societies, and thus
896-511: A growing philosophical debate between those advocating for state intervention and those believing that private charities should provide welfare. The political economist, Reverend Thomas Malthus (1766–1834), criticized poor relief for paupers on economic and moral grounds and proposed leaving charity entirely to the private sector. His views became highly influential and informed the Victorian laissez-faire attitude toward state intervention for
1008-462: A letter of congratulations to the RSPCA on its anniversary. Although the society was founded by people who were mostly Christian social reformers, and in 1832 presented itself as a Christian charity concerned with welfare as well as moral reform, the RSPCA gradually developed into a non-religious, non- sectarian animal welfare charity. The RSPCA lobbied Parliament throughout the 19th century, resulting in
1120-595: A list of charitable purposes in the Charitable Uses Act 1601 (also known as the Statute of Elizabeth), which had been interpreted and expanded into a considerable body of case law. In Commissioners for Special Purposes of Income Tax v. Pemsel (1891), Lord McNaughten identified four categories of charity which could be extracted from the Charitable Uses Act and which were the accepted definition of charity prior to
1232-503: A local authority. Such inspectors are not to be confused with RSPCA inspectors who are not appointed by local authorities. In cases where, for example, access to premises without the owner's consent is sought, a local authority or animal health inspector or police officer may be accompanied by an RSPCA inspector if he or she is invited to do so, as was the case in previous law. Following a series of Freedom of Information requests in 2011, to police constabularies throughout England and Wales it
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#17328449113991344-555: A long tradition in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Charities provided education, health, housing, and even prisons. Almshouses were established throughout Europe in the Early Middle Ages to provide a place of residence for the poor, old, and distressed people; King Athelstan of England (reigned 924–939) founded the first recorded almshouse in York in the 10th century. During
1456-722: A movement to encourage children to act kindly toward animals. Women were debarred from membership of the RSPCA's executive committee until 1906. In the 19th century the RSPCA fostered international relations on the problem of cruelty through the sponsoring of conferences and in providing basic advice on the establishment of similar welfare bodies in North America and in the colonies of the British Empire . The RSPCA celebrated its jubilee in June 1874 by holding an International Congress on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Queen Victoria delivered
1568-426: A number of new laws. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 amended Martin's Act and outlawed baiting. There was a public groundswell of opinions that were divided into opposing factions concerning vivisection, where Charles Darwin (1809–1882) campaigned on behalf of scientists to conduct experiments on animals while others, such as Frances Power Cobbe (1822–1904) formed an anti-vivisection lobby. The stance adopted by
1680-425: A register of charities that have completed formal registration (see below). Organizations applying must meet the specific legal requirements summarized below, have filing requirements with their regulator, and are subject to inspection or other forms of review. The oldest charity in the UK is The King's School, Canterbury , established in 597 AD. Charitable organizations, including charitable trusts, are eligible for
1792-601: A salaried inspector was settled in 1838, and the inspector is the image best known of the organisation today. Broome's experience of bankruptcy and prison created difficulties for him afterwards and he stood aside as the society's first secretary in 1828 and was succeeded by the co-founding member Lewis Gompertz. Unlike the other founder members who were Christians, Gompertz was a Jew and despite his abilities in campaigning against cruelty, fund-raising and administrative skills, tensions emerged between him and other committee members, due to Gompertz's approach, considered very radical at
1904-524: A statement clarifying that the RSPCA had no direct access to the PNC, and that in common with other prosecuting bodies, it may make a request for disclosure of records. This indirect access does not include any information that the RSPCA does not need in order to prosecute a case at court. The RSPCA operates a not-for-profit farm animal welfare assurance scheme. All farms on the RSPCA Assured scheme must comply with
2016-586: Is a National Control Centre which takes calls from the public and helps ensure that RSPCA officers attend incidents where animals need help, the National Control Centre is however, a third party contract and are not RSPCA employees. In previous years the National Headquarters located at Southwater in West Sussex houses several general departments, each with a departmental head, consistent with
2128-591: Is a specific type of charity with its primary purpose being to alleviate suffering in the community, whether due to poverty, sickness, or disability. Examples of institutions that might qualify include hospices, providers of subsidized housing, and certain not-for-profit aged care services. Charities in Canada need to be registered with the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency . According to
2240-713: Is home to the English National Opera at the Coliseum Theatre , as well as two other theatres , the Duke of York's Theatre and the Noël Coward Theatre , second-hand bookshops, antique dealers and high class gentlemen's outfitters. It also has a large number of cafes and a music shop aimed at opera and theatre goers. The theatrical agency set up by Peggy Ramsay in 1953 was located in Goodwin's Court, an alley leading off
2352-519: Is named, near Trafalgar Square northwards to Long Acre . At its northern end, it becomes Monmouth Street . St Martin's Lane and Monmouth Street together form the B404 . The street was first built up in 1610 when Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury was granted 5 acres (2.0 ha) of land on the street's west side. It was originally known as West Church Lane; the current name dates from 1618. A narrow street with relatively little traffic, St Martin's Lane
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#17328449113992464-503: Is operated by the Ministry of Social and Family Development . The legislation governing charitable activities and the process of obtaining charitable organization status is regulated by Ukraine's Civil Code and the Law of Ukraine on Charitable Activities and Charitable Organizations. According to Ukrainian law, there are three forms of charitable organizations: The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine
2576-424: Is suffering in a dire emergency. If the court feels evidence has been wrongly obtained, it can refuse to admit it". In 2012, a trial was halted and charges relating to nine dogs were thrown out of court after District Judge Elsey ruled that they had been wrongly seized, stating that the police and RSPCA acted unlawfully when they seized the animals without a warrant or a vet present to establish any suffering. While
2688-551: Is the main registration authority for charitable organization registration and constitution. Individuals and legal entities, except for public authorities and local governments , can be the founders of charitable organizations. Charitable societies and charitable foundations may have, in addition to founders, other participants who have joined them as prescribed by the charters of such charitable associations or charitable foundations. Aliens (non-Ukrainian citizens and legal entities, corporations, or non-governmental organizations) can be
2800-471: Is the most common form of organization within the voluntary sector in England and Wales. This is essentially a contractual arrangement between individuals who have agreed to come together to form an organization for a particular purpose. An unincorporated association will normally have a constitution or set of rules as its governing document, which will deal with matters such as the appointment of office bearers and
2912-533: Is very easy to set up and requires very little documentation. However, for an organization under the statute of loi 1901 to be considered a charity, it has to file with the authorities to come under the label of "association d'utilité publique", which means "NGO acting for the public interest". This label gives the NGO some tax exemptions. In Hungary , charitable organizations are referred to as "public-benefit organizations" ( Hungarian : közhasznú szervezet ). The term
3024-697: The Animal Life magazine twice a year for members. RSPCA centres, hospitals and branches operate throughout England and Wales. In 2012 RSPCA centres and branches assisted and rehomed 55,459 animals. In 2013 the society owned four animal hospitals, Birmingham , Greater Manchester , Putney (south London) and the Harmsworth Memorial Hospital in Finsbury Park (north London), and a number of clinics which provide treatments to those who could not otherwise afford it, neuter animals, and accept animals from
3136-492: The Animal Welfare Act 2006 . Animals rescued by the RSPCA are treated, rehabilitated and rehomed or released wherever possible. The RSPCA brings private prosecution (a right available to any civilian) against those it believes, based on independent veterinary opinion, have caused neglect to an animal under laws such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006 . The society has its own legal department and veterinary surgeons amongst
3248-607: The Charities Act 2006 : Charities in England and Wales—such as Age UK, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ( RSPB ) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( RSPCA ) – must comply with the 2011 Act regulating matters such as charity reports and accounts and fundraising. As of 2011 , there are several types of legal structures for a charity in England and Wales: The unincorporated association
3360-741: The Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 . Under the law, the Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria , being the official Nigerian Corporate Registry, is empowered to maintain and regulate the formation, operation, and dissolution of charitable organizations in Nigeria. Charitable organizations in Nigeria are exempted under §25(c) of the Companies Income Tax Act (CITA) Cap. C21 LFN 2004 (as amended) , which exempts from income tax corporate organizations engaged wholly in ecclesiastical, charitable, or educational activities. Similarly, §3 of
3472-476: The Electoral Commission in the run-up to a general election. Section 1 of the Charities Act 2011 provides the definition in England and Wales: The Charities Act 2011 provides the following list of charitable purposes: A charity must also provide a public benefit. Before the Charities Act 2006 , which introduced the definition now contained in the 2011 Act, the definition of charity arose from
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3584-515: The Enlightenment era , charitable and philanthropic activity among voluntary associations and affluent benefactors became a widespread cultural practice. Societies, gentlemen's clubs , and mutual associations began to flourish in England , with the upper classes increasingly adopting a philanthropic attitude toward the disadvantaged. In England, this new social activism led to the establishment of charitable organizations, which proliferated from
3696-492: The Magdalen Hospital to rehabilitate prostitutes . These organizations were funded by subscriptions and operated as voluntary associations. They raised public awareness about their activities through the emerging popular press and generally enjoyed high social regard. Some charities received state recognition in the form of a royal charter . Charities also began to take on campaigning roles, championing causes and lobbying
3808-535: The Metro newspaper said: "The UK Government wants to shoot England's badgers. We want to vaccinate them – and save their lives." However, more than 100 people complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), saying the use of the term "exterminate" was misleading. The advertising standards watchdog judged that the advert was likely to mislead the general public who had not taken an active interest in
3920-841: The Polish Historical Society , and the Polish chapter of the Wikimedia Foundation . The legal framework in Singapore is regulated by the Singapore Charities Act (Chapter 37). Charities in Singapore must be registered with the Charities Directorate of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports . One can also find specific organizations that are members of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), which
4032-605: The Protection of Animals Act 1911 provided a power of arrest for police, the British courts determined that Parliament did not intend any other organisation, such as the RSPCA, to be empowered under the act and that the RSPCA therefore does not possess police-like powers of arrest, of entry or of search ( Line v RSPCA , 1902). Like any other person or organisation that the law deems to have a duty to investigate — such as HM Revenue and Customs and local authority trading standards —
4144-547: The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , as it is today. The origins of the role of the RSPCA inspector stem from Broome's efforts in 1822 to personally bring to court some individuals against whom charges of cruelty were heard. Broome employed and personally paid the salary for an inspector to monitor the abuse of animals at the Smithfield Market . The inspector hired by Broome, Charles Wheeler, served in
4256-578: The Value Added Tax Act (VATA) Cap. V1 LFN 2004 (as amended) , and the 1st Schedule to the VATA on exempted Goods and Services goods zero-rates goods and services purchased by any ecclesiastical, charitable, or educational institutions in furtherance of their charitable mandates. A public benefit organization ( Polish : organizacja pożytku publicznego , often abbreviated as OPP) is a term used in Polish law . It
4368-469: The local government . Charities at the time, including the Charity Organization Society (established in 1869), tended to discriminate between the "deserving poor", who would be provided with suitable relief, and the "underserving" or "improvident poor", who was regarded as the cause of their woes due to their idleness. Charities tended to oppose the provision of welfare by the state, due to
4480-427: The 1970s. In the twentieth century the RSPCA widened the horizons in the public domain by promoting an annual "animal welfare week". The RSPCA also had annual accounts published in newspapers, like The Londoner , where the secretary would discuss improvements, report cases, and remind the public to watch over their animals' health. During the second half of 1837 the society sponsored an essay-writing competition with
4592-724: The Australian Capital Territory. Numerous Australian charities have appealed to federal, state, and territory governments to establish uniform legislation enabling charities registered in one state or territory to raise funds in all other Australian jurisdictions. The Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) commenced operations in December 2012. It regulates approximately 56,000 non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status, along with around 600,000 other NPOs in total, seeking to standardize state-based fund-raising laws. A Public Benevolent Institution (PBI)
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4704-468: The Canada Revenue Agency: A registered charity is an organization established and operated for charitable purposes. It must devote its resources to charitable activities. The charity must be a resident in Canada and cannot use its income to benefit its members. A charity also has to meet a public benefit test. To qualify under this test, an organization must show that: To register as a charity,
4816-686: The Charities Act (2009) legislated the establishment of a "Charities Regulatory Authority", and the Charities Regulator was subsequently created via a ministerial order in 2014. This was the first legal framework for charity registration in Ireland. The Charities Regulator maintains a database of organizations that have been granted charitable tax exemption—a list previously maintained by the Revenue Commissioners . Such organizations would have
4928-569: The First World War the RSPCA provided support for the Army Veterinary Corps in treating animals such as donkeys, horses, dogs and birds that were co-opted into military service as beasts of burden, messengers and so forth. However, the RSPCA estimates that 484,143 horses, mules, camels and bullocks were killed in British service during the war. The RSPCA's centenary in 1924 and its 150th anniversary in 1974 were accompanied by books telling
5040-554: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1882), the Singapore Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1959) and various groups which eventually came together as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Australia (1981), the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) (1997) — formerly known as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong) (1903–1997). The emergence of
5152-462: The RSPCA "impersonate police officers and commit trespass. People do believe they have powers of entry"; however, he did not produce any evidence of such impersonation of police officers, and the society strongly denies the allegation. Sally Case, former head of prosecutions, insisted that RSPCA inspectors are trained specifically to make clear to pet-owners that they have no such right. They act without an owner's permission, she says, "only if an animal
5264-766: The RSPCA Ladies' Committee took over the Band of Mercy 's magazine The Bang of Mercy Advocate and renamed it simply, Band of Mercy . Colam was also its editor until 1905. Both magazines were formed to educate people about treating animals more kindly. The Animal World magazine was published up until the 1990s. Copies are stored at the RSPCA Archive in Horsham, West Sussex and digitized by the NC State University Libraries. The RSPCA currently publishes an annual review and
5376-422: The RSPCA deputy chairman Paul Draycott said that 'too political' campaigns threatened the charity's future and could deter donors. Draycott said that the RSPCA could go insolvent "We have spent months discussing where we want to be in 10 years' time, but unless we develop a strategy for now we won't be here then". In response the chairman Mike Tomlinson said "The trustee body continues to place its full support behind
5488-524: The RSPCA has its roots in the intellectual climate of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Britain where opposing views were exchanged in print concerning the use of animals. The harsh use and maltreatment of animals in hauling carriages, scientific experiments (including vivisection ), and cultural amusements of fox-hunting , bull-baiting and cock fighting were among some of the matters that were debated by social reformers, clergy, and parliamentarians. At
5600-475: The RSPCA inspectorate. As of September 2020, the Putney Animal Hospital has been permanently closed. RSPCA animal centres deal with a wide range of injured and rescued animals, working alongside its inspectorate, volunteers, and others to ensure that each animal is found a new home. There are currently 17 RSPCA animal centres across the UK and a further 42 centres ran independently by Branches. In 2013
5712-465: The RSPCA is expected to conform to the rules in the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 so far as they relate to matters of investigation. RSPCA officers are trained to state, following giving the caution, that the person is "not under arrest and can leave at any time". The Animal Welfare Act 2006 has now replaced the Protection of Animals Act 1911, and it empowers the police and an inspector appointed by
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#17328449113995824-434: The RSPCA was one of qualified support for legislation. This qualified support for experiments on animals was at odds with the stance taken by Society's founder Broome who had in 1825 sought medical opinions about vivisection and he published their anti-vivisection sentiments. It was also a departure from the 1837 essay-competition (discussed above) where the essayists were obliged to expose "the specious defence of vivisection on
5936-551: The RSPCA's "stringent higher welfare standards". RSPCA Assured assesses farms, hauliers and abattoirs and if they meet every standard, the RSPCA Assured label can be used on their food product. The RSPCA Assured scheme has received criticism from media coverage of animal cruelty that has taken place on RSPCA Assured farms. In 2009 the RSPCA was criticised by the Scottish SPCA for fundraising in Scotland and thereby "stealing food from
6048-459: The RSPCA's chief executive, management and all our people who do such outstanding work". The accusations of politicisation remain unsubstantiated. Paul Draycott also warned that the RSPCA fears an exodus of "disillusioned staff" with "poor or even non-existent management training and career paths" for employees. In response the RSPCA's chief executive, Gavin Grant denied suggestions in the memo that there
6160-422: The RSPCA. RSPCA branches also offer advice, microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments. In 2013 there were also about 1000 RSPCA shops. Each region of the RSPCA contains groups of inspectorate staff. A group is headed by a chief inspector, who might typically be responsible 6-12 officers (Inspector and AROs), working with several local branches. There is also a small number of market inspectors across
6272-577: The Scottish charity was intended. The RSPCA is an opponent of badger culling ; in 2006 there was controversy about a "political" campaign against culling, with the Charity Commission being asked to consider claims that the charity had breached guidelines by being too overtly political. The charity responded saying that it took "careful account of charity law and the guidance issued by the Charity Commission". Years later, an RSPCA advertisement published in
6384-470: The UK. The agreement included provisions such that the RSPCA would receive up to 15% of top-ups made on the network and it was expected the network would raise £50,000 in the first year of operations. RSPCA Mobile ceased service in October 2014. In 1829 when the first recognisable police force was established in England, they adopted a similar uniform to that of RSPCA inspectors who had been wearing uniforms since
6496-470: The advent of the Internet, charitable organizations established a presence on online social media platforms and began initiatives such as cyber-based humanitarian crowdfunding , exemplified by platforms like GoFundMe . The definition of charity in Australia is derived from English common law, originally from the Charitable Uses Act 1601 , and then through several centuries of case law based upon it. In 2002,
6608-473: The badger cull saying, "The ad must not appear again in its current form. We told the RSPCA not to use language that implied the whole badger population in the cull areas would be culled in future advertising." An RSPCA spokesman said it "welcomed" the judgement of the ASA to dismiss three of the areas of complaint about their advert but "respectfully disagreed" with the complaint which had been upheld. In September 2013
6720-452: The beginning of the 19th century there was an unsuccessful attempt by Sir William Pulteney on 18 April 1800 to pass legislation through the British parliament to ban the practice of bull-baiting. In 1809 Lord Erskine (1750–1823) introduced an anti-cruelty bill which was passed in the House of Lords but was defeated in a vote in the House of Commons . Erskine in his parliamentary speech combined
6832-484: The capacity of an inspector from 1824 to 1826 but his services were terminated when the society's revenue was exceeded by its debts. The accrued debts led to a suspension of operations when Broome as the society's guarantor for debts was imprisoned. When operations resumed there was some divided opinions in the committees that steered the society about employing inspectors, which resulted in a resolution in 1832 to discontinue employing an inspector. The permanent appointment of
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#17328449113996944-471: The charity's beginning in 1824. This adoption has led to similarities in the RSPCA rank names and rank insignia with British police ranks , which has led some critics (such as Chris Newman, chairman of the Federation of Companion Animal Societies) to suggest an attempt to "adopt" police powers in the public imagination. An RSPCA inspector may also verbally caution a member of the public, similar to that used by
7056-453: The charity's financial gains. Charitable organizations often depend partly on donations from businesses. Such donations to charitable organizations represent a major form of corporate philanthropy. To meet the exempt organizational test requirements, a charity has to be exclusively organized and operated, and to receive and pass the exemption test, a charitable organization must follow the public interest and all exempt income should be for
7168-478: The chief inspectors, inspectors and AROs. The regional managers are expected to have a broad understanding of operations throughout their regions. RSPCA branches operate locally across England and Wales. Branches are separately registered charities operating at a local level and are run by volunteers. Some RSPCA branches are self-funding and raise money locally to support the animal welfare work they do. They find homes for about three-quarters of all animals taken in by
7280-703: The corner in Newport Street. The Salisbury in Covent Garden was built as part of a six-storey block around 1899 on the site of an earlier pub that had been known under several names, including the Coach & Horses and Ben Caunt 's Head; it is both Grade II listed , and on CAMRA 's National Inventory, due to the quality of the etched and polished glass and the carved woodwork. The film St Martin's Lane (also known as Sidewalks of London , 1938) starring Vivien Leigh , Rex Harrison and Charles Laughton , later formed
7392-462: The country. The RSPCA is a registered charity (no. 219099) that relies on donations from the public. The RSPCA states that its mission as a charity is, by all lawful means, to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and to alleviate the suffering of animals. RSPCA inspectors respond to calls from the public to investigate alleged mistreatment of animals. They offer advice and assistance to improve animal welfare, and in some cases prosecute under laws such as
7504-408: The creation of similar groups in other jurisdictions, starting with the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (founded in 1836), and including the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1839), the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1840), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1866), the Royal New Zealand Society for
7616-520: The development of social housing , and Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919) exemplified the large-scale philanthropy of the newly rich in industrialized America. In Gospel of Wealth (1889), Carnegie wrote about the responsibilities of great wealth and the importance of social justice. He established public libraries throughout English-speaking countries and contributed large sums to schools and universities. A little over ten years after his retirement, Carnegie had given away over 90% of his fortune. Towards
7728-414: The efforts of the Reverend Arthur Broome (1779–1837) to create a voluntary organisation to promote kindness toward animals resulted in the founding of an informal network. Broome canvassed opinions in letters that were published or summarised in various periodicals in 1821. Broome organised a meeting and extended invitations to various reformers that included parliamentarians, clergy and lawyers. The meeting
7840-584: The end of the 19th century, with the advent of the New Liberalism and the innovative work of Charles Booth in documenting working-class life in London , attitudes towards poverty began to change. This led to the first social liberal welfare reforms , including the provision of old age pensions and free school-meals. During the 20th century, charitable organizations such as Oxfam (established in 1947), Care International , and Amnesty International expanded greatly, becoming large, multinational non-governmental organizations with very large budgets. With
7952-409: The federal government initiated an inquiry into the definition of a charity. The inquiry proposed a statutory definition of a charity, based on the principles developed through case law. This led to the Charities Bill 2003 , which included limitations on the involvement of charities in political campaigning, an unwelcome departure from the case law as perceived by many charities. The government appointed
8064-401: The first Model Dwellings Company – one of a group of organizations that sought to improve the housing conditions of the working classes by building new homes for them, all the while receiving a competitive rate of return on any investment. This was one of the first housing associations , a philanthropic endeavor that flourished in the second half of the nineteenth century, brought about by
8176-495: The founders and members of philanthropic organizations in Ukraine. All funds received by a charitable organization and used for charitable purposes are exempt from taxation, but obtaining non-profit status from the tax authority is necessary. Legalization is required for international charitable funds to operate in Ukraine. Charity law in the UK varies among (i) England and Wales , (ii) Scotland and (iii) Northern Ireland , but
8288-670: The fundamental principles are the same. Most organizations that are charities are required to be registered with the appropriate regulator for their jurisdiction, but significant exceptions apply so that many organizations are bona fide charities but do not appear on a public register. The registers are maintained by the Charity Commission for England and Wales and by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator for Scotland. The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland maintains
8400-491: The government for legislative changes. This included organized campaigns against the mistreatment of animals and children, as well as the successful campaign in the early 19th century to end the slave trade throughout the British Empire and its extensive sphere of influence. (However, this process was quite lengthy, concluding when slavery in Saudi Arabia was abolished slavery in 1962.) The Enlightenment era also witnessed
8512-480: The ground of its being for the interests of science." In 1876 the Cruelty to Animals Act was passed to control animal experimentation . In 1911 Parliament passed Sir George Greenwood 's Animal Protection Act . Since that time the RSPCA has continued to play an active role, both in the creation of animal welfare legislation and in its enforcement. An important recent new law has been the Animal Welfare Act 2006 . During
8624-671: The growth of the middle class . Later associations included the Peabody Trust (originating in 1862) and the Guinness Trust (founded in 1890). The principle of philanthropic intention with capitalist return was given the label "five percent philanthropy". There was strong growth in municipal charities. The Brougham Commission led to the Municipal Corporations Act 1835 , which reorganized multiple local charities by incorporating them into single entities under supervision from
8736-470: The lane. Two pedestrian alleys, St Martin's Court and Cecil Court , connect St Martin's Lane with Charing Cross Road have similar usage. In the 18th-century St Martin's Lane was noted for the Academy founded by William Hogarth and later for premises of cabinet-makers and " upholsterers " such as Thomas Chippendale , who moved to better premises there in 1753, Vile and Cobb , and William Hallett around
8848-591: The middle of the 18th century. This emerging upper-class trend for benevolence resulted in the incorporation of the first charitable organizations. Appalled by the number of abandoned children living on the streets of London , Captain Thomas Coram set up the Foundling Hospital in 1741 to care for these unwanted orphans in Lamb's Conduit Fields, Bloomsbury . This institution, the world's first of its kind, served as
8960-511: The mouths of animals north of the border by taking donations intended for Scotland." The RSPCA insists that it does not deliberately advertise in Scotland but that many satellite channels only enabled the organisation to purchase UK-wide advertising. In a statement, the RSPCA said it went "to great lengths" to ensure wherever possible that adverts were not distributed outside England and Wales , and "Every piece of printed literature, television advertising and internet banner advertising always features
9072-429: The needs of any major organisation. The current chief executive officer is Chris Sherwood. Since the pandemic the RSPCA no longer has a National Headquarters, with most employees now working from home and small satellite offices being set up in locations such as Horsham and London. There are three regions ("North", "South", and "East, Midlands and Wales"), each headed by a regional superintendent who has responsibility for
9184-507: The novelist Catherine Grace Godwin (1798–1845) described in her novel Louisa Seymour an incident where two leading female characters were aghast at the behaviour of a driver abusing a horse pulling a carriage that they subsequently discussed the problem of cruelty with other characters one of whom, called Sir Arthur Beauchamp, disclosed that he was a member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In 1839 another female supporter of
9296-519: The organization has to be either incorporated or governed by a legal document called a trust or a constitution. This document has to explain the organization's purposes and structure. Most French charities are registered under the statute of loi d'association de 1901, a type of legal entity for non-profit NGOs. This statute is extremely common in France for any type of group that wants to be institutionalized (sports clubs, book clubs, support groups...), as it
9408-425: The perceived demoralizing effect . Although minimal state involvement was the dominant philosophy of the period, there was still significant government involvement in the form of statutory regulation and even limited funding. Philanthropy became a very fashionable activity among the expanding middle classes in Britain and America. Octavia Hill (1838–1912) and John Ruskin (1819–1900) were important forces behind
9520-483: The police, i.e. "You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence"; this may strengthen the perception that the RSPCA has statutory powers. When Richard Girling of The Times asked about its lack of powers, a spokesman for the RSPCA said "We would prefer you didn't publish that, but of course it's up to you". Chris Newman claimed that
9632-500: The poor. During the 19th century, a profusion of charitable organizations emerged to alleviate the awful conditions of the working class in the slums . The Labourer's Friend Society , chaired by Lord Shaftesbury in the United Kingdom in 1830, aimed to improve working-class conditions. It promoted, for example, the allotment of land to laborers for "cottage husbandry", which later became the allotment movement. In 1844, it became
9744-472: The precedent for incorporated associational charities in general. Another notable philanthropist of the Enlightenment era, Jonas Hanway , established The Marine Society in 1756 as the first seafarers' charity, aiming to aid the recruitment of men into the navy . By 1763, the Society had enlisted over 10,000 men, and an Act of Parliament incorporated it in 1772. Hanway also played a key role in founding
9856-592: The public good as described by the law, and it should demonstrate sufficient transparency in its activities, governance, and finances. Moreover, data has shown that this evidence is pertinent and sensible. Polish charitable organizations with this status include Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego , the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity , KARTA Center , the Institute of Public Affairs , the Silesian Fantasy Club ,
9968-580: The public interest. For example, in many countries of the Commonwealth , charitable organizations must demonstrate that they provide a public benefit . Until the mid-18th century, charity was mainly distributed through religious structures (such as the English Poor Laws of 1601 ), almshouses , and bequests from the rich. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam incorporated significant charitable elements from their very beginnings, and dāna (alms-giving) has
10080-611: The publication of books and tracts as well as the fostering of annual sermons preached against cruelty on behalf of the society. The first annual anti-cruelty sermon that was preached on behalf of the society was delivered by Rev Dr Rudge in March 1827 at the Whitechapel Church. In 1865 the RSPCA looked for a way to consolidate and further influence public opinion on animal welfare by encouraging an annual "Animal Sunday" church service where clergy would preach sermons on anti-cruelty themes and
10192-439: The resources which facilitate such private prosecutions. All prosecutions are brought via independent solicitors acting for the RSPCA, as the association has no legal enforcement powers or authority in its own right. In May 2012 the RSPCA launched its own mobile virtual network operator service, RSPCA Mobile, in partnership with MVNO whitelabel service Shebang. RSPCA Mobile claimed to be the first charity mobile phone network in
10304-486: The role of the RSPCA. This development has included debates both inside the RSPCA (e.g. the RSPCA Reform Group ) as well as among ethicists, social activists and supporters of claims for animal rights outside of it concerning the society's role in ethical and legal issues involving the use of animals. The RSPCA's official publication, The Animal World: A Monthly Advocate of Humanity was released in October 1869. It
10416-469: The rules governing membership. The organization is not, however, a separate legal entity, so it cannot initiate legal action, borrow money, or enter into contracts in its own name. Its officers can be personally liable if the charity is sued or has debts. St Martin%27s Lane St Martin's Lane is a street in the City of Westminster , which runs from the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields , after which it
10528-411: The sin of cruelty--the infliction of wanton or unnecessary pain, taking the subject under its various denominations-exposing the specious defence of vivisection on the ground of its being for the interests of science--the supplying the infinite demands on the poor animal in aid of human speculations by exacting extreme labour, and thereby causing excessive suffering--humanity to the brute as harmonious with
10640-628: The society began shortly after the organisation was founded. At the society's first annual meeting in 1825, which was held at the Crown and Anchor Tavern on 29 June 1825, the public notice that announced the gathering specifically included appropriate accommodation for the presence of women members. Several women of social standing were listed as patronesses of the society, such as the Duchess of Buccleuch, Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury, Dowager Countess Harcourt, Lady Emily Pusey, Lady Eyre and Lady Mackintosh. In 1837
10752-551: The society had four wildlife centres at East Winch ( Norfolk ), West Hatch ( Somerset ), Stapeley Grange ( Cheshire ) and Mallydams Wood ( East Sussex ), which provide treatment to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals to maximise their chances of a successful return to the wild. *closed as of September 2020 At the national level, the charity comprises all central functions, and a number of animal hospitals and centres. This national charity also employs local inspectors and AROs to respond to urgent calls. In additional to this there
10864-515: The society's story. During World War II it was reported that the RSPCA had rescued 256,000 animals during bombing raids. Bernard Montgomery sent a letter of appreciation to the RSPCA, commenting that the Society had alleviated the suffering of animals during the war. Since the end of the Second World War the development of intense agricultural farming practices has raised many questions for public debate concerning animal welfare legislation and
10976-514: The society's veterinarian, also published their essays. One entrant whose work was submitted a few days after the competition deadline, and which was excluded from the competition was written by the Unitarian minister William Hamilton Drummond and he published his text in 1838, The Rights of Animals: And Man's Obligation to Treat Them with Humanity . This competition set a precedent for subsequent RSPCA prize-winning competitions. The role of women in
11088-467: The society, Sarah Burdett, a relative of the philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts and a poet, published her theological understanding of the rights of animals. However it was not until 12 July 1870 that the RSPCA Ladies' Committee was established. Through the Ladies Committee various activities were sponsored including essay-prize competitions among children, and the formation of the Band of Mercy as
11200-515: The spirit and doctrines of Christianity, and the duty of man as a rational and accountable creature." There were 34 essays submitted and in December 1838 the prize was awarded to the Congregational minister Rev John Styles . Styles published his book-length work, The Animal Creation; its claims on our humanity stated and enforced , and all proceeds of sale were donated to the society. Other contestants, such as David Mushet and William Youatt ,
11312-566: The time, in opposition to hunting and other forms of using animals he regarded as abusive. The tensions led to the convening of a meeting in early 1832 which led to Gompertz resigning. His resignation coincided with a resolution adopted in 1832 that "the proceedings of the Society were entirely based on the Christian faith and Christian principles." Alongside the society's early efforts to prosecute offenders who maltreated animals, there were efforts made to promote kindly attitudes toward animals through
11424-510: The very first sermon was delivered in London on 9 July 1865 by Rev. Arthur Penrhyn Stanley (1815–1881), the Dean of Westminster . The "Animal Sunday" service became an annual event in different church gatherings in England, which was later adopted by churches in Australia and New Zealand in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, and it was the forerunner of the "pet blessing" services that emerged in
11536-456: The vocabulary of animal rights and trusteeship with a theological appeal to biblical passages opposing cruelty. A later attempt to pass anti-cruelty legislation was spearheaded by the Irish parliamentarian Richard Martin and in 1822 an anti-cruelty to cattle bill (sometimes called Martin's Act ) became law. Martin's Act was supported by various social reformers who were not parliamentarians, and
11648-471: The wording 'The RSPCA is a charity registered in England and Wales ' ". "All Scottish donors, who contact us via RSPCA fundraising campaigns, are directed to the Scottish SPCA so that they can donate to them if they so wish." The Scottish SPCA changed its logo in 2005 to make a clearer distinction between itself and the RSPCA in an attempt to prevent legacies being left to its English equivalent by mistake when
11760-497: Was "no strategy" in some areas, stating that there was no difficulty in attracting trustees or serious internal concerns about management. In June 2014 RSPCA campaigner Peta Watson-Smith compared the conditions livestock are brought up in across the country to that of the Jews during the Holocaust . The comments were condemned by countryside campaigners and Jewish groups. In 2015 Watson-Smith
11872-607: Was elected to the RSPCA ruling council. At the same election the RSPCA members also voted to give a seat on the ruling council to Dan Lyons . Charitable organization The legal definition of a charitable organization (and of charity) varies between countries and in some instances regions of the country. The regulation , the tax treatment, and the way in which charity law affects charitable organizations also vary. Charitable organizations may not use any of their funds to profit individual persons or entities. However, some charitable organizations have come under scrutiny for spending
11984-472: Was founded as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals . Broome was appointed as the society's first honorary secretary. The foundation is marked by a plaque on the modern day building at 77–78 St Martin's Lane . The society was the first animal welfare charity to be founded in the world. In 1824 it brought 63 offenders before the courts. Princess Victoria became the society's patron in 1835, and, as Queen, granted its royal status in 1840 to become
12096-563: Was held on Wednesday 16 June 1824 in Old Slaughter's Coffee House , London. The meeting was chaired by Thomas Fowell Buxton MP (1786–1845) and the resolution to establish the society was voted on. Among the others who were present as founding members were Sir James Mackintosh MP, Richard Martin, William Wilberforce , Basil Montagu , John Ashley Warre , Rev. George Bonner, Rev. George Avery Hatch, Sir James Graham , John Gilbert Meymott, William Mudford , and Lewis Gompertz . The organisation
12208-456: Was inspired by the MSPCA 's publication Our Dumb Animals which had been created a year before. The Animal World magazine defined its objective as "to protect animals from torture and ameliorate their condition, and to awaken in the minds of men a proper sense of the claims of creatures placed under their dominion". It was edited by John Colam the then secretary of the RSPCA from 1869–1905. In 1883,
12320-477: Was introduced on 1 January 1997 through the Act on Public Benefit Organizations. Under Indian law, legal entities such as charitable organizations, corporations, and managing bodies have been given the status of " legal persons " with legal rights, such as the right to sue and be sued, and the right to own and transfer property. Indian charitable organizations with this status include Sir Ratan Tata Trust . In Ireland,
12432-453: Was introduced on 1 January 2004 by the statute on public good activity and volunteering . Charitable organizations of public good are allowed to receive 1.5% of income tax from individuals, making them "tax-deductible organizations". To receive such status, an organization has to be a non-governmental organization , with political parties and trade unions not qualifying. The organization must also be involved in specific activities related to
12544-624: Was revealed that the RSPCA has developed local information sharing protocols with a number of constabularies, allowing designated RSPCA workers access to confidential information held on the Police National Computer (PNC). Although RSPCA workers do not have direct access to the PNC, information is shared with them by the various police constabularies which would reveal any convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands and impending prosecutions. Information regarding motor vehicles can also be accessed. The Association of Chief Police Officers released
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