Is World Aid Network a registered charity?
A plain statement of exactly where our charity registration stands — and what changes the day it completes.
Quick answer
World Aid Network has applied to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales — application reference 5290505, ICO registration ZC156579. There is not yet a registered charity number. Card donations are open. Gift Aid is not currently available; future claims require HMRC recognition and eligibility checks.
| Legal form | Proposed Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registration application in progress) |
|---|---|
| Charity Commission status | Registration in progress — application reference 5290505 |
| ICO registration | ZC156579 |
| Registered office | International House, 51 Borough High Street, London SE1 1NB, United Kingdom |
| Contact | [email protected] |
| Donations | Card checkout is open — donate now. Gift Aid is not yet claimable. |
| Gift Aid | Not currently available. Future claims require HMRC recognition, valid declarations and eligible donations |
What do these references mean?
An application reference is not a registered charity number. A CIO is created by registration with the Charity Commission. ICO registration relates to data protection and does not establish charitable status or HMRC recognition.
Charity Commission guidance on structures · HMRC Gift Aid requirements
How the charity is governed today
World Aid Network is governed by named trustees under a written constitution, with two defined charitable objects: funding medical treatment (sight-restoring eye surgery and cancer treatment) and emergency disaster relief for people who cannot afford care. It operates a strict no-cash policy — funds are paid directly to partner hospitals against trustee-approved named patient lists, never as cash to individuals.
The charity publishes its full policy suite — 14 documents covering governance, financial controls, safeguarding and legal compliance — at worldaidnetwork.org/our-policies. How treatment is funded and verified is explained at how we work and where your money goes.
How is my donation protected while registration is pending?
The trustees adopted these controls on 30 April 2026. They apply now, before registration:
- Every payment needs authorisation by two unrelated trustees (Financial Controls Policy).
- Overseas funds go only by regulated bank transfer, under a strict no-cash policy for international transfers.
- Partners pass due diligence first, and large grants are released in stages after evidence and receipts are reviewed (Grant-Making Policy).
- Card payments are processed by Stripe; we never see your full card number.
- Formal complaints are acknowledged within 5 working days (how to complain).
You can read the constitution submitted with our application and see where your money goes.
What changes when registration completes
- The registered charity number is published on every page of this site, in place of the application reference.
- Gift Aid also requires HMRC recognition, valid declarations and eligible donations. Charity Commission registration alone does not make a gift eligible. Card donations are already open.
- Annual reports and accounts are filed publicly with the Charity Commission.