The Charitable Journalism Project (CJP) has today launched a free handbook to support local newsrooms across the UK in applying for charitable status, following the breakthrough case of The Guildford Dragon News, which became the first local news organisation to achieve charity registration last year.

The guide provides a step-by-step process specifically tailored for newsrooms, drawing on specialist legal expertise from charity law firm Stone King LLP (which supported The Guildford Dragon News's successful application).

It addresses the lengthy and expensive process that has previously prevented many newsrooms from pursuing charitable status. Even with subsidised legal support, the application process can take years and be challenging for resource-strapped local news organisations.

The Guildford Dragon News, a fully volunteer-run news outlet, has found itself unable to take full advantage of its new charitable status.

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