Is RNLI a legitimate charity?

The register data used for this profile lists RNLI as a registered charity (number SC037736) with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Check the current register entry. A real charity number does not verify a fundraiser or appeal, and registration is not an impact rating.

What is RNLI's charity number?

RNLI's charity number is SC037736. Check that number on the OSCR register or this CharityCompare profile before you donate.

How do I check charity number SC037736?

Search SC037736 on the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) register or on CharityCompare. Confirm the registered name matches the organisation asking for money — scammers sometimes reuse real charity numbers.

Does RNLI have reviews and complaints?

CharityCompare does not host public user reviews for RNLI. This basic profile confirms registration and register facts. Rated charities also show a filing-based Clarity Score. For formal complaints, contact the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or the Fundraising Regulator as appropriate.

How can I donate to RNLI?

RNLI's website listed in our register data is http://www.rnli.org. Verify it against the current register before donating. CharityCompare does not process donations or take a commission; the charity's payment provider may charge fees.

When was RNLI registered as a charity?

RNLI was entered on the register on 17 January 2007.

Registered charity · No. SC037736Statutory corporation (Royal Charter etc)

RNLI

Independent profile · Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) data

RNLI is a registered charity in Scotland. Its register classifications include the saving of lives.

Visit charity website Check official registration

Work at RNLI? Claim this profile free to add your own description, logo and links.

At a glance · official register

What are the key facts about RNLI?

Reported income · year ending 2025-12-31: £286,700,000
Reported spending · year ending 2025-12-31: £258,100,000
Registered charity number: SC037736
Status in source extract: Registered
Charity type: Statutory corporation (Royal Charter etc)
Register contact address detail (not service area): Outwith Scotland
Website: www.rnli.org

Quick answer

RNLI (number SC037736) is listed as registered in the OSCR snapshot used here. Check the live register for its current position. Registration does not authenticate a particular fundraising appeal or establish the impact of a donation.

What does RNLI do?

The object of the Institution ('the Object') shall be to save lives at sea and on inland and flood waters. In order to achieve the Object, the powers of the Institution shall without limitation include the following:- to promote safety and provide relief from disaster at sea and on inland and flood waters. to advance the education of the public in matters relating to safety at sea and on inland and flood waters and in the history and heritage of the Institution. to promote the efficiency of rescue services at sea and on inland and flood waters. and to relieve and assist those who have been…

Activities reported on the official register · extract 2026-10-04.

From the annual return

Pay, income, Gift Aid and registration details for RNLI

Answers RNLI gave in its annual return to the OSCR for the year ending 31 December 2025, plus its register entry. A blank answer in the return is shown as not reported, never as “no”.

Registration details

Registered as a charity: 17 January 2007
Also known as: Royal National Lifeboat Institution
Where it says it operates: Outwith Scotland

What causes is RNLI registered for?

the saving of lives

Why is there no Clarity Score for RNLI yet?

Our dataset does not yet contain the detailed filing history needed to score RNLI. An unrated profile is a gap in our assessment, not a negative judgement about the charity. The register facts and available annual-return disclosures above remain useful. Payment never influences a rating. How scoring works

What should you check before donating to RNLI?

Match the registered name and number to the appeal. A real charity number can be copied by someone impersonating the organisation.
Open the current register entry to check status, contact details and available accounts. This profile reflects a dated extract.
Read the charity’s annual report for its work and results. An unrated profile means we lack a full assessment; it is not a negative rating.

How to read charity accounts · Explore rated charities

Is this your charity?

Claim this profile free to submit your description and an optional logo for review, correct details, or respond publicly. Approved claims show attribution and claimed status. Optional paid plans add enhanced media, reporting and labelled featured visibility by tier; they never change a score.

Claim this profile — free Visit charity website

Frequently asked questions

Is RNLI a legitimate charity?: The register data used for this profile lists RNLI as a registered charity (number SC037736) with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). Check the current register entry. A real charity number does not verify a fundraiser or appeal, and registration is not an impact rating.
What is RNLI's charity number?: RNLI's charity number is SC037736. Check that number on the OSCR register or this CharityCompare profile before you donate.
How do I check charity number SC037736?: Search SC037736 on the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) register or on CharityCompare. Confirm the registered name matches the organisation asking for money — scammers sometimes reuse real charity numbers.
What does RNLI do?: The object of the Institution ('the Object') shall be to save lives at sea and on inland and flood waters. In order to achieve the Object, the powers of the Institution shall without limitation include the following:- to promote safety and provide relief from disaster at sea and on inland and flood waters. to advance the education of the public in matters relating to safety at sea and on inland and flood waters and in the history and heritage of the Institution. to promote the efficiency of rescue services at sea and on inland and flood waters. and to relieve and assist those who have been…
Does RNLI have reviews and complaints?: CharityCompare does not host public user reviews for RNLI. This basic profile confirms registration and register facts. Rated charities also show a filing-based Clarity Score. For formal complaints, contact the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or the Fundraising Regulator as appropriate.
How can I donate to RNLI?: RNLI's website listed in our register data is http://www.rnli.org. Verify it against the current register before donating. CharityCompare does not process donations or take a commission; the charity's payment provider may charge fees.
When was RNLI registered as a charity?: RNLI was entered on the register on 17 January 2007.

Source: Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) register extract dated 2026-10-04, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Always verify current details on the official register entry.