Centenary Fund passes charity test

The tribunal ruled that benevolent funds such as the Centenary Fund will retain their charitable status as they are deemed to be providing public benefit. Questions had been raised about the validity of the Fund’s status.

“Thankfully the Tribunal has determined that charities established for the relief of poverty which have a defined beneficiary class, such as linked to employment, do in fact qualify as charities and so we are fit to face the next 61 years,” said Julia Fuller, chairman of the fund and Thomson Reuters vice-president, environment, health and safety.

The Fund’s 2011 accounts have now been audited and submitted to the Charity Commission, which will make them available on its website.

“Of course our financial support is given on a confidential basis however, as the accounts show, we have supported six individuals in 2011 awarding grants totalling £20,610,” Fuller said. “This level of grant giving is down from 2010 when we awarded grants totalling £53,242 to nine individuals. Our beneficiaries range from the UK to Guatemala, Singapore and locations in between. We have supported costs of medical treatment for self and family and emergency housing costs.”

Contact centenary@thomsonreuters.com to find out more about the Fund or to approach it to discuss a specific funding need. ■