If you have any questions about SIGMA having Charity Status, the Committee will answer them here.

Why is SIGMA looking at charity status?
Having Charity status will enable the Club to save money on some items, or open up funding sources only available to Charities.

What is Google Workspace and why does the Club need it?
For many years Google provided SIGMA branded emails and other features such as file storage etc. for free.  Then they started charging a nominal amount when they reclassified these services as Google Workspace.  Gradually these costs have risen.  As a result, SIGMA has reduced these branded emails to only have 4 key email addresses – for Chairman, Membership and Events, and a generic email info@sigma-astro.co.uk.  Google Workspace also includes Google Meet.  SIGMA uses Google Meet to live stream from the observatory.  Without Google Meet, SIGMA would need to use Zoom at a greater cost.

What is Flickr?
Flickr is an online photo sharing/hosting website.  Until a few years ago it was free.  After new owners took over, they introduced a limit to the number of free images.  SIGMA has over 2,000 images on Flickr and thus requires the paid service.

How will Charity Status affect the monthly meetings?
It won’t.  Any Charity requirements will minimally affect the “behind the scenes” of the Club.