Advice needed

louister

:THi,
I'm a volunteer fundraiser raising money for a non-profit organisation (wetnose animal aid), on the website they have a wish list of things needed i.e bandages, dressings, shampoo's flea stuff for animals. I wanted to do a sort of gift aid box with that sort of stuff in, and I wondered where I stood on approaching pet related companies and asking for a donation of any of the above stuff. Would I be breaking any laws?
I would be gratefull for any advice, and if you know of any companies that you think would be best approached would be grate.
Thanks
Best wishes
Louister

fengirl_2

No, its fine to approach anyone for anything as long as you tell them where the money or stuff is going. Always helps to have some literature handy about the work of the organisation and a personal approach works best as letters can go in the bin too easily. (We don't call them not for profit in the UK - its sither a charity, charitable or a vol. org.)

Savvy_Sue

And just to add to what fengirl said, it's important not to describe yourself as a charity if you're not registered as such.

LittleVoice

fengirl wrote: »

(We don't call them not for profit in the UK - its sither a charity, charitable or a vol. org.)

Although there may not be a formal legal acknowledgement of the term "not for profit organisation", there seems to be a growing use of the phrase to describe social enterprises or organisations working as companies limited by guarantee. Such organisations classify themselves as being in the voluntary, third, or not for profit sector. Certainly universities are offering courses related to not-for-profit organisations.

The OP's proposed organisation is a company and not a registered charity.

fengirl_2

I know its a growing trend to use 'not for profit' and I am a one woman crusade to stop it! All 3rd sector orgs have to make a profit, or they wouldnt survive from year to year. What the OP means is they dont distribute their profits.
The OP's organisation has charitable objects and so can be described as charitable.

vickywoo

I think the term not for profit is misleading and would be careful not to use it! Are you registered as a community interest company? If so then you are legally a not for 'private' profit business, meaning you can make profits but anything you do make must either be invested back into the company or in to the communities you are serving.
However that aside there is no problem with approaching local businesses as long as you do not misrepresent yourself. Good luck x