Charities
A guide to free occupations for charities
We provide an accessible, standardised approach to reassure all parties, and we are on hand to help throughout the process.
We follow a straight-forward, clear and transparent process.
1
Register
Register here – see the link below.
2
Meeting
We will discuss your requirements and the suitability of our available properties.
3
Quotation
Learn about your charity, its aims, function, and proposed use of your chosen space, (together with proof of public liability insurance).
4
Agreement
We send you our terms and conditions and our standard Licence Agreement.
5
Access
You sign and return these documents and we arrange access.
6
Liaison
Once in occupation you provide photographic evidence of your use and occupation of the space.
7
Return
Once we hear that the property needs to be returned to the Landlord, we will inform you immediately and where possible assist in alternative arrangements.
FAQs for Charities
Who can benefit from The Giving Space?
Any registered UK organisation established for a public benefit and not profit generating. This includes charities and registered community interest companies, social enterprises, community groups and organisations, and educational organisations who have a charitable status.
You must be registered with The Charity Commission.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
What is a peppercorn rent?
This is a nominal (or token) rent, usually of £1, that is paid to satisfy legal requirements for the creation of a contract (Licence to Occupy/Licence Agreement).
Why are Landlords prepared to provide space for free?
Landlords understand that charity occupiers can lower security costs on empty buildings, lower the risk of buildings falling into dilapidation, disrepair or being affected by vandalism and can help to lower their Building Insurance Premiums and other empty property liabilities.
What will occupying through The Giving Space cost us?
There is no cost to Charities.
Who pays Business Rates, Service Charge, Utilities?
Usually the landlord.
How long can we occupy?
You will be able to occupy until the Landlord lets, sells or begins redevelopment of the property. Each situation is unique.
How much notice to leave must either Party give?
Depends on terms of licence, but likely to be 4-6 weeks.
What spaces can you offer?
We often have office, retail or industrial accommodation available that can provide many varied uses from desk working and storage, through to service delivery or community engagement (meeting rooms, rehearsal, studio, or training space), or retail premises.
How do Charities apply?
Call, email us, or apply online.
Can I view the Space?
In most cases yes, we can arrange a viewing of the space once you have completed our registration form and supplied all relevant information.
What legal form will my occupation take?
You will occupy under a Licence or Lease. We have a standard form of agreement which we will email to your organisation for signature. Once we have received a signed returned agreement, we will confirm access arrangements for you to take occupation.
Thanks again, for this great opportunity, it means so much to our group. Everyone in is painting like mad, it has given us all such a confidence boost!
Jane Hancock
Swineshead Art Group
The Giving Space specialise in making vacant commercial spaces accessible to charities and non-profit organisations, for free.
We help charities find affordable, flexible accommodation for a range of uses from storage to public engagement. Our buildings range from retail shops (in either high street or shopping centre locations), industrial properties, and office accommodation. The spaces can be used for storage, retail, service delivery, office and meeting space, studio or training spaces, rehearsals, public engagement, or exhibition and gallery space.
We provide accommodation on a flexible basis, with the understanding that our solutions are usually only temporary. In many cases temporary occupation by a charity can continue for some time, lasting up to a year or more. Your occupation can continue until the space is permanently let to a commercial tenant or is sold or redeveloped.
We ensure you are always given a sufficient notice period of 6 weeks and often we can relocate you to another suitable solution nearby.
If you have questions about our free space, please read our frequently asked questions below or contact us by email at enquiries@thegivingspace.uk