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Fundraising FAQs
The avocet, symbol of the RSPB, can benefit from fundraising
This section answers some general questions that we're often asked about fundraising. If you want to know more, or if you want to start fundraising for us, please contact us by filling in the form ‘Tell me more about how to fundraise for wildlife’ linked from this page. One of our Regional Fundraising Team will get in touch with you. Q I’m fairly sure that I know what sort of fundraising I want to do. When do I need to contact you?
A Please contact us before you undertake any fundraising on our behalf – when you’re still at the early thinking stage. Use the form linked from this page, or contact a member of our Regional Fundraising Team at your nearest RSPB Regional Office. Use the 'Around the UK' link to find your local RSPB office. Q I’m doing a sponsored run – please can I have a sponsorship form?
A Have a look at our ‘Sponsored activities’ section, then fill in our form ‘Tell me more about how to fundraise for wildlife’ linked from this page. One of our Regional Fundraising Team will get in touch with you, and put a sponsorship form in the post – along with anything else we can help you with. Q Do you offer an online sponsorship facility?
A Yes. The RSPB has signed up to the www.justgiving.com personal fundraising service. This allows you to set up your own personalised webpage and raise money online by sending a link to all your friends and colleagues directing them to your page. Just Giving collect the payments and process the Giftaid claims for those sponsors who declare themselves UK tax payers and then transfer the money directly to the RSPB. The Just Giving website also offers supporters the option of donating online. This means donors can give to the RSPB quickly, securely and tax-efficiently. Just use the Justgiving link and follow the instructions and you could be raising money in minutes! Q I want to help but I don’t get out much. What can I do?
A Why not keep a cardboard collecting box by your telephone for loose change? Every penny helps. See the ‘Collecting Boxes’ section for more information. Q How do I ensure I’m acting legally?
A You need to be aware of all laws and regulations affecting your fundraising activities. If you fill in our form ‘Tell me more about fundraising for the RSPB’ linked from this page, one of our Regional Fundraising Team will get in touch with you to explain further. Here are some examples of the sorts of thing you need to bear in mind: - Please do not collect money door-to-door – without a licence, this is illegal.
- If your fundraising involves collecting money or selling goods in a public place, you need to obtain permission and a licence from your local authority.
- Where events take place on private property, you must obtain permission from the owner or manager.
- Small raffles are fine as long as they don’t contain cash prizes and are part of a larger event. Other raffles may be unlawful, so you must check with us before holding these.
- If you are supplying food and drink, you are responsible for seeing that it is deemed fit and safe, even if the public aren’t paying for it. The Food Safety Act (1990) covers all food prepared for public consumption – including raffle prizes, free ice creams and buffets.
Q Will I be insured if I run an event or take part in a sponsored event?
A The RSPB has Public Liability Insurance that may cover you. However, our insurance does not cover everything, so you must discuss your activity with the RSPB Regional Fundraising Team before you embark on it. If we don’t know what you are planning, we can’t ensure you are covered. If you fill in our form ‘Tell me more about fundraising for the RSPB’ linked from this page, one of our Regional Fundraising Team will get in touch with you to discuss further. Q Do you have any recommendations for safety?
A The RSPB cannot accept responsibility for accidents, so it’s important to ensure that everyone will be safe while you are fundraising. Here are some pointers. - You must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (this applies to volunteers as well as people who are employed by the RSPB) and all other relevant legislation. Make sure that no one is fundraising, working or spectating in an unsafe environment. Assess the risk involved and make sure that the risks are eliminated or minimised to an acceptable level.
- Particular care should be taken with sponsored ‘adventure’ activities – abseiling, parachuting, white water rafting or any other hazardous event.
- If sub-contractors or facilities are used, make sure that they have the requisite experience and insurance facilities.
- If you are going to be carrying money around please be careful – think about your personal security. Always use a safe route and always be accompanied and/or carry a personal alarm.
- Always ensure that children are safe and that you do not allow them to solicit money or collect money alone or without an adult.
Q What do I do with the money I raise?
A By law, as you have raised money in the name of the RSPB, you must agree to pass the money to the RSPB, in full, within a specified period. For example, if you are doing a sponsored activity, running a raffle or tombola, or holding a coffee morning or other event, you need to pay the RSPB in full within 28 days of the date of the activity. The RSPB Regional Fundraising Team will advise you about what to do in the case of each specific fundraising activity – please contact us using the form linked from this page. Q I am based outside the UK. Can I still fundraise for the RSPB?
A Sadly, at present we are unable to handle fundraising beyond the UK. Our apologies to those people outside the UK wishing to help us in this way. Last modified: 29 January 2007
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