Finding the funds - your own fundraising

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Being disabled or caring for a disabled person may impact on your financial situation, so this page focuses on giving initial advice to assist you with organising your own fundraising initiative. you should also read about sources of statutory funding and sources of charitable funding.

Whilst this can be used independently of the other two, it would be wise to consider possible statutory and charitable sources before deciding to organise some sort of fundraising activity.

Your own fundraising

Organising an independent fundraising initiative is potentially complex. Below are some of the main points to consider before you arrange your first event:

• Such fundraising methods normally require publicity. Before embarking on this course of action consider the implications of exposing yourself, your family and your personal circumstances to the general public. Not everyone will find this an acceptable price to pay.
• Raising funds in this way can be extremely demanding, so consider forming a group of enthusiastic, trustworthy people to share the work. Make things more ‘official' by appointing a chairperson, treasurer and secretary and clarify your aims and objectives. Organising yourselves in a business-like way will give you more credibility.
• Open a specific bank account with a relevant name (such as "John's Wheelchair Fund") and arrange the account so that at least two signatures are required to withdraw money.
• Keep precise accounts of all income and outgoings so that you can demonstrate how the money has been spent should anyone challenge you.

There are various laws and regulations relating to fundraising. Some basic guidance is given below, but if you are in any doubt, seek professional advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau:

• Street collections - To run a street collection you must obtain a permit from your local authority (or in London the Metropolitan Police). Issue of permits is discretionary and there is no guarantee you will be awarded one. Even with a permit there are regulations about how the collection must be conducted. The authority issuing the permit will give you details on request.
• House-to-house collections - Whether you are asking for money, ‘jumble' or other items you must obtain a permit from your local authority (or in London the Metropolitan Police).
• Collections on private premises - These are not subject to regulations but you must get the permission of the owner of the premises. However, the Charities Act 1993 states that when the private property is intended for public use (such as shopping centres and railway stations) a street collection permit should also be obtained. Collections in pubs are normally conducted on a house-to-house permit but the permission of the landlord must be obtained.
• Static collection boxes - You don't need any type of permit to leave a collection box on the counter of a shop or pub.
• Lotteries - This is a complex area governed by a range of legislation. A typical ‘prize draw', where tickets are sold to members of the public over a period of more than one day, is required to be registered with the local authority. A registration fee will be charged and you will have to comply with the regulations stipulated on the application form. If ticket sales are to exceed £20,000 you must register with the Gaming Board.
• Raffles and tombolas - defined as "a small lottery incidental to an entertainment". You do not need to register if the lottery is not the main attraction of the event and the total value of prizes does not exceed £250. In addition tickets must only be sold and winners announced during the entertainment on the same day.
• Public events - jumble sales, garage sales, fetes, fundraising dinners and coffee mornings are all subject to the same regulations, mainly relating to health and safety, as any commercial event would be. You should obtain public liability insurance to cover you in the event of someone being injured, and it may also be necessary to have a person qualified in First Aid available. Any goods sold should be safe and fit for the purpose for which they are sold. With this in mind it may be best to avoid selling used electrical or gas appliances. If there is likely to be any disruption to traffic as a result of the volume of cars attending you should seek advice from your local police. Generally speaking the larger and more complex the nature of the event, the more things there are to consider. If there is entertainment laid on you may need a Public Entertainments Licence (details from the Chief Executive's Department of your local authority). Selling alcohol requires a Liquor Licence, which is issued at the discretion of the local Magistrates Court. Mechanical or motorised exhibits or rides may require a safety certificate (issued by National Association for Leisure Industry Certificates). You may also need to check with your local authority about regulations relating to planning permission, Sunday trading or local bye-laws.
• Sponsored events - You are at liberty to devise and publish your own sponsorship forms. Ensure they clearly state what the event is, when it will be held, what it is raising funds for and the contact details of the organisers. Bear in mind the advice given for public events.
• Competitions - Any competition that involves skill rather than chance does not need to be registered but depending on the nature of the competition some of the advice given for public events may apply.

Charity registration

Some groups of people who do a lot of fundraising may consider becoming a registered charity in their own right. There are possible advantages to doing this, mainly in terms of taxation and credibility. In addition, many commercial companies will only donate to registered charities.

However, there are also some possible disadvantages, in terms of increased bureaucracy and administration expenses. The Charity Commission produces a helpful pack entitled Starting a Charity and Applying for Registration. 

Further information

Raising Money for Good Causes: A Starter Guide
Jane Sutherland and Mike Eastwood
Directory of Social Change, 1998.
ISBN 1900360349

The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
Tel: 020 7833 2181
Fax: 020 7833 4371
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau. Alternatively you could try the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux's online advice guide.

The Gaming Board for Great Britain
Tel: 0121 230 6666
Fax: 0121 230 6720
Website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk

National Association for Leisure Industry Certificates
Tel/Fax: 0191 523 9498
Website: www.naflic.org.uk

Charity Commission
Tel: (general enquiries) 0845 300 0218
Fax: 0151 7031 555
Website: www.charity-commission.gov.uk

Contact Scope Response for information, advice and support on cerebral palsy and disability issues.

This factsheet was last reviewed February 2011.