Keeping your fundraising safe and legal

Here’s a few things you’ll need to bear in mind to ensure your fundraising for Scope runs smoothly. If you require more detailed advice on any of these matters please give the events team a call on 020 7619 7272 (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm) or email events@scope.org.uk

Fundraising in aid of Scope

On posters and other materials you are using, you should state that your fundraising is “In aid of” Scope and remember to include our registered charity number 208231.

Collecting cash donations in public

If you’re taking part in one of our challenge events, where part of the money you raise goes towards the cost of your place on the event, we do not recommend you raise your sponsorship this way.

However, if you’re simply undertaking a collection locally for Scope, you can fundraise this way, but there are some things you need to be aware of:  

• For all cash collections you’ll need a sealed and numbered collecting tin and a letter of authority from us.
• For private sites like pubs, shopping centres and the entrances of supermarkets, you’ll need the permission of the owner or the person with responsibility for the site on the day. However, please note that for some shopping centres and other sites that are “publicly accessible” you may also need a licence from your local authority so it’s always advisable to check with them in advance.
• For general public areas like town centres and streets – you’ll definitely need a licence from your local authority which you should apply for at least one month in advance (often much longer) of your proposed collection day. You’ll be required to complete a return to your local authority after the collection which includes how much you have raised.
• You must remain stationary when conducting your collection and must not cause any inconvenience to members of the public.
• You are not permitted to collect cash door to door.

Raffles

There are strict rules regarding the running of raffles. If you’re planning to sell raffle tickets over a period of time you will require a licence from your local authority. Contact us for more details.

However, the rules are relaxed for “incidental non-commercial” raffles that are undertaken on the day of an event such as a fete or pub quiz. You can run one of these raffles without a licence where:

• Tickets are only sold at the event
• You do not spend more than £500 on prizes
• There are no cash prizes
• The winners are drawn at the event

Alcohol and public entertainment

If your event involves the sale of alcohol and/or live or recorded music, dancing, showing of a film or any entertainment of a similar nature, you may need a licence. Liaise with your local authority, the police and other relevant parties as necessary.

It’s easier to simply use venues for your event that already have the appropriate licences.

Food

Please be aware of food safety laws and use common sense in preparing and handling food. You don’t want your sponsors to have upset stomachs! Have a look at the NHS food safety website for general advice.

Minimising risk and insurance

Please be aware that any event or fundraising activity you organise is “in aid of” Scope and not “on behalf of”. Events need to be adequately assessed to identify, minimise and control the risk to all those taking part and members of the public who may be attending. You are personally responsible for ensuring any event you are staging is covered, if necessary, by the appropriate insurance. Scope will not accept liability under any circumstances and you will not be able to rely on any insurance policy held by Scope. Venues will often include insurance in hire charges but make sure you check.

If you have any questions, please contact us on email or by phone on 020 7619 7272.