Charities and not-for-profit organisations increasingly operate in complex commercial environments. Whether running income-generating ventures, entering key contracts, forming partnerships, or managing operational risk, strong commercial foundations are essential to achieving long-term sustainability and impact.
At DTM Legal, we understand the unique challenges facing the charity sector. Our Charity & Philanthropy team provides clear, pragmatic commercial advice to help charities make informed decisions, protect their assets, and operate with confidence.
Specialist Commercial Expertise Led by Alison Brennan
Our Charity & Philanthropy practice is led by Alison Brennan, a Partner in DTM Legal’s Corporate & Commercial team. Alison’s dual expertise in both charity law and complex commercial matters makes her uniquely placed to advise charities and not-for-profit organisations on commercial activity.
Working collaboratively across the firm, Alison draws on DTM Legal’s extensive commercial, property, employment and litigation experience to provide charities and not-for-profits with robust, sector-specific guidance that aligns with regulatory obligations, governance requirements and long-term strategic objectives.
Corporate & Commercial Legal Services For Charities
From our Corporate & Commercial department, the following services are particularly relevant to charities and not-for-profits:
- Mergers
Supporting mergers of charitable entities to ensure effective change management, legal and regulatory compliance. - Commercial and Contract Law
Drafting and reviewing commercial agreements, SLAs, partnership contracts and operational documentation. - Corporate Finance & Business Investment Support
Advising on funding arrangements, investment in social enterprises, and structuring financial support in compliance with charity law. - Business Reorganisations
Supporting internal reorganisations, restructuring charitable groups, and ensuring governance compliance. - Franchising, Agency & Distribution
Advising charities exploring distribution networks, social franchising models, or agency relationships. - IT & E-Commerce Legalities
Legal support for digital platforms, online fundraising systems, apps, SaaS agreements and e-commerce operations. - Intellectual Property
Protecting and commercialising trademarks, branding and other IP assets. - Funding & Security Arrangements
Drafting funding agreements, security documentation and ensuring fundraising or grant arrangements are legally sound. - Company Secretarial Services / Companies House Identity Verification
Ensuring compliance with filing requirements, PSC rules and identity verification obligations. - Succession Planning and Exit Strategies
Advising on leadership transitions, governance succession and long-term structural planning.
Additional Support from Our Specialist Teams
Charities also benefit from seamless access to our wider departments:
Our Employment & HR team advises on all staffing and volunteer-related matters, including employment contracts, policies, safeguarding obligations, restructures, TUPE queries and the practical day-to-day HR issues that charities frequently encounter.
Our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team supports organisations facing commercial disagreements, regulatory challenges or contractual disputes, providing strategic advice to resolve issues efficiently and protect your charity’s reputation and assets.
Our Commercial Property team assists with all property-related needs, from acquisitions and disposals to lease negotiations and estate management, including ensuring compliance with the Charities Act for property transactions.
Speak to Our Charity & Philanthropy Team
Whether you are entering a new commercial arrangement, expanding your organisation’s activities or seeking clarity on your legal obligations, our team is here to help.
Contact DTM Legal’s Charity & Philanthropy team today for expert, practical commercial advice tailored to your organisation’s needs.
Phone: 01244 354815
Email: Alison.Brennan@dtmlegal.com
Phone: 01244 354801
Email: Richard.Thomas@dtmlegal.com
