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 –a sponsored walk round the local park, holding a gala event, or collecting for your favourite charity.
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. We also offer guidance on how to fundraise (83kb), holding public collections and on how to find a charity to support.
To find out more about charity law and the Charities Act 2006, click on the links below.
