SCF Charitable Trusts
Many people think about setting up a private charitable trust, perhaps to support a cause close to their heart, or to remember a loved one.
However, private trusts can fall foul of many things, including weighty administration, waning enthusiasm of trustees, and the burden of legal fees.
The Scottish Community Foundation, however, offers an alternative that gives you complete control of your giving. Using an SCF Charity Chequebook, you can support any recognised charity in the UK and overseas with your trust.
| SCF Charitable Trust | Independent Charitable Trust | |
| Set up costs | Free - no set up costs | from £1,000 |
| Annual Audit | Covered by SCF Auditors | Auditors from £750 p.a. |
| Tax advantages | Exact same | Exact same |
| Charity Regulator | No reporting required | Annual report required |
| Legal responsibility | With SCF Trustees | With appointed trustees |
| Flexibility | Changes can easily be made by writing to SCF | Changes require charity regulator approval |
| Donations | To UK and international not-for-profit organisations selected by the trust owner | Often restricted to UK registered charities |
| Constitution | Agreement with SCF | Trust deed |
An SCF Trust can be set up with cash or investments which are to be sold of £10,000, or investments which are to be retained of £25,000.
For further information, please select any of the following information sheets:
Funds A - Z
Find out more about the charitable funds administered by the Scottish Community Foundation
Grant making map
Use our map to see where grants have been made across Scotland
Case studies
Learn how people like you are engaged in their giving