If you wish to fundraise for charity, it is important to be aware of the many laws that govern fundraising. It all depends on the type of fundraising you do. How2fundraise.org is full of fundraising ideas and fact-sheets to get your fundraising on track and within the law.
To undertake a collection you will need authorisation from your local authority; to hold a gala event you may need to obtain a temporary event notice if you are selling alcohol, and if you wish to hold a sponsored walk on or through parkland, you must get permission from the land owner, for example the borough or park authority.
There are also laws on health and safety, food hygiene and what types of containers can be used for public collections, so that is why it is important you begin by contacting the charity for which you would like to fundraise.
Fundraisers working for the charity will be able to help you and advise on best practice.
The Institute of Fundraising’s Codes of Fundraising Practice set out the legal requirements and provide guidance on best practice. Information is also available on the Fundraising Strategy pages. To find out more about regulations in the UK, visit the Institute's Regulation pages.
