Press Release

August 24 2009

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of Charities in England and Wales is, for the first time, running adverts on satellite television channels during the festival of Ramadhan. The campaign is one part of the Commission's ongoing work with faith-based charities, and encourages mosques and Muslim organisations that may be charitable to register as charities.

Over Ramadhan many Muslim organisations and mosques around the country will benefit from the generosity of those in their communities. However many of these organisations don't realise that registering with the Charity Commission is a legal requirement. It also helps ensure that the donations these organisations and mosques are given go further and can enhance their reputation.

The advertising campaign, on four satellite television channels, will remind viewers of the many benefits of registering with the Charity Commission. Charities registered with the Charity Commission:

· Have the benefit of a charity registration number and the badge/brand of charity, increasing public trust and confidence in their organisation.

· Can maximise the financial benefit of donations through Gift Aid arrangements. This means that currently for every £1.00 donated through Gift Aid charities can claim back up to 28p from the Government.

· Benefit from generous tax breaks – they do not normally have to pay income/corporation tax, capital gains tax, or stamp duty, and gifts to charities are free of inheritance tax.

· Have access to free expert advice and tailored guidance from the Charity Commission.

Ghulam Rasool, Head of the Charity Commission's Faith and Social Cohesion Unit, said:

"During the month of Ramadhan, Muslims seek spiritual salvation through fasting, praying and through their support of the poor and needy, both in their own communities and abroad. This Ramadhan we are encouraging organisations and mosques that raise funds or carry out charitable work to take a look at the Charity Commission website to find out about registering as a charity. Registration, which is a legal requirement for most mosques, brings many benefits, and will help you maximise the money you raise so you can make an even greater contribution to those in need. I wish you a blissful Ramadhan Mubaarak."

At the start of the project in October 2007, 331 mosques were registered with the Charity Commission. 18 months on, at the end of April 2009, the figure stood at 455 – an increase of 37%. The adverts are being broadcast on Islam Channel, Noor TV, Bangla TV, and Iqra TV.

Amjid Raza is the Secretary of Dudley Central Mosque (registered charity number 1127373) which registered in January this year, he said:

"Our mosque is the heart of the community, both as a place of worship and through the other services we provide locally. Being a registered charity shows everyone that we're open and accountable and we've also been able to apply for more funding since registering. The Commission provided us with free expert advice during the registration process and we know we can go back to them if we need further support."