Fundraising starts with the word 'fun' and we want you to enjoy your fundraising. But it’s also important that everything you do is safe and legal – for everyone involved. So, plan ahead – it will pay off.
This quick guide highlights some of the things you need to consider, but don’t rely just on this information – it’s best to check with your local council that you’ve covered everything.
If you are holding an event in a public place you must get permission first – either from the local authority and/or the landowner, whichever is applicable.
You will also need to get parental permission if children are helping at your event.
If you are under 18 you must get permission from a parent/guardian to raise money for Shine.
We recommend that you check with your local authority whether or not you need any special licences (such as public entertainment, collection or alcohol licences).
Whether you are selling cakes or putting on a three-course meal, food safety laws still apply, whether it’s for sale or not. So, ensure you follow food hygiene procedures and keep everyone safe. Check-in with food.gov.uk or contact your local council for food hygiene regulations at events
These are a great way to raise funds, but make sure that you are aware of the legalities first.
If you hold a small raffle (or a tombola) on the day of, and at, your event you do not need a licence, so long as all ticket sales and the draw itself take place during the main event. It’s still ok even if your event lasts for more than one day.
Tickets must be sold at the same price with no discounts applied.
For the latest advice and guidance visit the Chartered Institute of Fundraising or the Gambling Commission.
Please note that children under the age of 16 are not legally allowed to collect money for charity in a public place.
You must not rattle or shake your tin or bucket to draw attention.
Contact us for the materials you need to hold the collection, such as collecting tins or buckets.
Although we’re here to help, we aren’t responsible for your fundraising event and can’t accept liability. If your event involves members of the general public it’s important to have public liability insurance (which can be obtained from any insurer). You’ll find many venues already have this – so do ask. If you’re holding the event at home check if your insurance covers it or, if it’s on other private property, ask the owner if their insurance does.
Identify any hazards and assess any risks at your event that you will need to consider.
If you are holding an event involving a lot of people or a physical challenge, make sure that you have appropriate first aid in place to support this. You can get advice from St John Ambulance or the British Red Cross.
If you plan to take photos of other people get their consent first, and if it’s photos of children you must get consent from a parent/guardian
For your own protection, if at all possible, make sure you count the money you've collected with another person present and have them verify the total amount raised.
Ask people who want to make a donation by cheque to make it payable to Shine rather than to you personally.
Make sure any cash donated is kept in a secure place and is banked as soon as possible.
Keep records of everything you do and be aware that you should not be keeping people’s personal contact information without their permission.
Children can get involved in fundraising in different ways. They can participate by attending events, joining in at school, or taking the initiative with their own activities.
Any fundraiser under the age of 18 must have permission from their parent or guardian before they start fundraising for Shine.
If using JustGiving as part of your fundraising, children under the age of 18 making a donation or creating a fundraising page must do so under the direct supervision of an adult.
For some activities, adults must also be involved in order for the activity to be legal.
You must not encourage children to do any of the following, without adult supervision:
If you’re working with under 13’s, you must get consent from a parent or guardian if you wish to take photographs or share images of them. If children are over the age of 13, they can give consent themselves. This also applies if you want to take or share any personal information about them, and you must make sure you have approval from the school for any activity carried out in or near the school premises.
Occasionally when you are fundraising, you may meet someone who could be vulnerable or needs additional support to make a decision. You must be aware of the risks and know what to do if you’re concerned about an individual and their circumstances.
If you believe that someone is not in a position to make a decision about donating, you must:
During the donation process you must:
For information on Shine’s policy for safeguarding children or vulnerable adults please refer to our safeguarding policy.
If you’re unsure about anything or need help or advice, please give us a call on 01733 555988, contact your Regional Fundraiser or email fundraising@shinecharity.org.uk
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