Code frequently asked questions
This page provides answers to common questions about the Code of Fundraising Practice (the code).
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Instead of listing detailed rules for every fundraising method, the code takes a principles-based approach. The result is a shorter, clearer code, with rules expressed as principles and supported by examples to show how they apply in practice.
For example, 1.1.2 in the code states that:
1.1.2 You must take all reasonable steps to make sure your fundraising is carried out in a way that reflects positively on fundraising in general.
This includes:
- not unreasonably intruding on a person’s privacy;
- not putting undue pressure on a person to donate;
- not using unreasonably persistent approaches; and
- accepting a request to end an interaction.
The examples above are not intended to cover every behaviour that is permitted or prohibited. Instead, they help illustrate how fundraising activity should reflect positively on fundraising in general.
Because the code takes a principles-based approach, it does not need to list every practice that is always required or never allowed. Instead, it encourages fundraisers to think about how their activity meets the principles and how the principles in certain rules could apply to new or emerging fundraising approaches.
The principles-based rules often include terms such as ‘appropriate’, ‘reasonable’ and ‘proportionate’, which fundraisers will need to interpret.
For example, rule 2.2.2 in the code states that:
2.2.2 You must carry out appropriate due diligence, proportionate to the size and nature of the donation, on the potential donor before accepting a donation.
‘Appropriate’ and ‘proportionate’ due diligence will vary depending on the size and nature of the donation in relation to your normal fundraising activity.
When we investigate complaints, we will offer you a chance to explain how the steps you have taken are, for example, ‘appropriate’. We publish findings from our investigations to support sector learning.
To help you decide what is ‘appropriate’ and ‘proportionate’, many of the new rules are also accompanied by examples of acceptable and unacceptable practices, and additional guidance.
We provide resources to help organisations comply with the code. However, we do not provide templates or best practice advice on topics such as written agreements or setting up a fundraising campaign. You may find useful resources on these topics from sector bodies such as:
For specific questions about legal matters, you should seek advice through the lead regulators. Topics in this category include:
- Gift Aid (HMRC)
- GDPR (ICO)
- Lotteries (Gambling Commission)
If you have a specific question about complying with the code you can use the Code Advice Service.
Yes, rule 2.1.5 requires that you must not sell or share a donor’s personal data without appropriate consent. However, if you have the appropriate consent or a legitimate interest in line with the ICO’s requirements, then you can share the data under those terms.
Yes, you must have a written fundraising complaints procedure in place which is available on request and/or is set out on your website. You must have a complaints procedure for staff and volunteers, as well as members of the public.
For more information, please see section 2.3 of the code.
A solicitation statement is a statement that some fundraisers must make to donors when fundraising for a charitable institution. It explains how the charitable institution will benefit from the fundraising activity.
- Commercial participators must give solicitation statements whenever they promote their goods or services on the basis that they will make contributions to a charitable institution.
- Professional fundraisers (glossary link) must give solicitation statements whenever they ask for money on behalf of a charitable institution.
- Paid employees, officers and trustees of charitable institutions and connected companies need to make solicitation statements if:
o They are carrying out a public charitable collection (street and door-to-door collections); and
o They are being paid more than £10 per day or £1000 per year to carry out the public charitable collections.
For more information, please see:
An in-aid-of volunteer raises money for a charity on their own initiative, without being asked to or directed by the charity. They are responsible for organising the fundraising activity and must make clear that they are raising funds in aid of the charity, not on behalf of it.
- Example: A supporter decides to hold a bake sale and donate the proceeds to Charity A, without any input or direction from the charity.
- Example: Someone sets up an online fundraising page to collect donations for Charity B as part of a challenge event without the charity’s involvement.
An on-behalf-of volunteer (glossary link) raises money at the charity’s request or under its direction. In this case, the charity has a higher level of control and responsibility for how the fundraising is carried out.
- Example: Charity A asks a volunteer to take part in a street collection wearing the charity’s branded clothing.
- Example: Someone signs up for a charity place co-ordinated by Charity B as part of a challenge event and agrees to fundraise a minimum amount for Charity B.
For more information, please see section 4 of the code or our guidance on volunteers and fundraising.
You must take reasonable steps to make sure that children under 16 are not given overall responsibility for handling or counting money.
Depending on where you are fundraising and the type of fundraising that you are doing, there also might be legal restrictions.
For information about the relevant legislation, please see section 5.1 of the code.
You must have clear procedures so fundraisers understand their safeguarding responsibilities. Fundraisers must give appropriate consideration to the needs of donors who may be in vulnerable circumstances or need extra care and support to make an informed decision.
For more information, please see section 5.2 of the code.
Yes, you must have an appropriate written agreement in place with any third-party fundraiser you work with (unless they are a volunteer).
If you are working with a professional fundraiser or a commercial participator, this is a legal requirement.
For more information, please see section 6.2 of the code.
Whether a licence or permission is needed depends on where and how you are fundraising.
Street and door-to-door collections
If you are collecting cash or card payments through street or door-to-door collections, you will usually need a licence from your local authority because you are collecting money for charitable purposes on public land.
Direct debits
If you are collecting through direct debit sign-ups, you typically do not need a licence but may need to follow the terms of a Chartered Institute for Fundraising (CIOF) Site Management Agreement.
Private land
If you are fundraising on private land, such as in a shopping centre or in a supermarket, generally you do not need a licence, but you must obtain permission from the site owner or manager before carrying out any fundraising activity.
Selling goods
If you are selling items for a fee (for example, merchandise or tickets), you may need a trading licence from your local authority, particularly when selling on public land.
Digital methods
If you are only collecting money through electronic payments such as through QR codes, bank transfers, or links to online donation pages, a licence is usually not required.
For more information about public fundraising and licences, please contact your local authority or refer to section 7 of the code.
Door-to-door and street fundraisers must wear ID badges and charity-branded clothing, unless they are a volunteer fundraiser. On behalf-of volunteers carrying out a door-to-door or street collection must wear charity branded-clothing.
Private site fundraisers do not need to wear ID badges but should wear charity-branded clothing (or use a charity-branded stand where this is relevant), unless they are an in-aid-of volunteer.
In-aid-of volunteers do not need to wear ID badges or charity-branded clothing to fundraise.
For more information, please see section 7.4 of the code.
An ‘unstaffed collection’ is a method of donating money or other property that does not need a fundraiser to be present, such as static collections, charity bags, and donation sites, such as clothing banks.
To help donors make an informed decision about what method they use to donate, you should include details of processing fees which are charged by a third-party providing fundraising services. This does not include standard transaction fees, such as card processing fees.
You can assist a testator (someone making a will) with the will-writing process. However, you must not insist that your charitable institution receives a legacy or is appointed as executor in exchange for paying for the will. You must provide clear information about the service being offered and the testator’s options.
If you use a will-writing partner, when promoting their services to a testator you must also inform the testator of other will-writing options (such as a local solicitor or through The Law Society).
For more information about legacies, please see section 14 of the code.
The code does not contain rules specifically dedicated to AI. However, as with any fundraising activity under your control, fundraising conducted using AI is subject to the rules set out in the code, particularly those in Part 1 (Standards which apply to all fundraising).
If you use AI to produce fundraising materials, you should also consider the rules in Section 8 of the code, ensuring AI generated content does not mislead potential donors.
Income raised through charity shops and auctions is often classed as trading. We do not regulate trading, so it is not covered by our code.
- For information about charity shops, you may wish to contact the Charity Retail Association.
- For information about charity auctions, you may wish to review the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s guidance on this topic.
If you are fundraising for a personal cause rather than a charitable organisation, this activity would fall outside of our remit.
Although the code only applies to charitable fundraising, the standards in section 1 of the code on general fundraising behaviour could help you fundraise in an open, honest and respectful manner.
If you are fundraising online using a fundraising platform and have questions about how to set up or manage an appeal, you should speak with the fundraising platform.