Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator publish joint guidance on raising money for charity

The Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator have joined forces to publish new guidance to help people who want to raise funds for charity, emphasising the need for people to fundraise in a way that protects themselves and the charity they are raising money for.

Whilst not changing the regulatory picture, this joint guidance is a useful resource for the public, providing practical information and examples which were not previously fully addressed by either the Commission or the Fundraising Regulator.

The guidance sets out practical steps for anyone considering raising money, noting that the fundraiser (rather than the charity) is responsible, and sets out 8 key points:

1. Fundraise for a particular charity (namely, decide which charity to support before raising funds);
2. Be clear with donors about what your fundraising will support;
3. Read terms and conditions first before using an online fundraising platform;
4. Always transfer donations quickly and safely to your chosen charity;
5. Take care if you plan to make deductions for reasonable expenses;
6. Make contingency plans (for example, a secondary purpose if the money cannot be spent in the way initially stated);
7. If completing a fundraising challenge, such as a marathon, make clear what will happen to the donations if you cannot complete the challenge; and
8. Consider whether collecting and making donations of goods will hinder the charity.

The guidance also provides extra clarity regarding raising money for an emergency and 'personal cause fundraising' (when fundraising for a person, for example – this is not regulated, but it is recommended to follow the guidance to ensure legal and fair fundraising).

David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, has commented: 'When you're fundraising for a cause you care about, it's important to know your legal responsibilities. That's why we've partnered with the Fundraising Regulator to create this guide – helping you raise money for your chosen charity in a way that's legal, ethical and effective'. Gerald Oppenheim, CEO of the Fundraising Regulator, added that the guidance 'gives members of the public the practical information they need to follow the law, build trust with donors and avoid problems that could prevent charities from accessing funds quickly and effectively'.