Bank account for fundraising?

LMac

Im raising money for Habitat for Humanity but most of the events are collecting money as cash, which Ill need to put into an account to send to the charity. Should I set up a separate one for this? What method do you use for accounting for the money you raise? I have to pay the full amount on Feb 7th (topped up with my own savings probably) but can keep accepting money for up til May 23rd (two months after the trip date). It all seems like its open to fiddling and I want to make sure I do everything with as much clarity as possible.

Im going through the US branch, and although I can use their site to collect donations, itll be in $ and Im worried about fees etc incurred on donations made directly by donors using their cc. I know my bank charges around £7 per overseas transaction (Ive applied for a no fees cc, but not approved yet) so hoping I can collect directly, and send it all in one go.

Savvy_Sue

I'm just wondering if you have to use the US site, or if you can pay money into the UK site? If you look at this page, they seem to have several options, so I'd definitely contact them and find out.

And that would definitely be easier than opening your own separate bank account.

If you're collecting cash for a charity, then 'best practice' would be to use a sealed collection tin or bucket, and again, the UK HforH may be able to supply this. There are always risks when collecting cash, but if you can pay things in promptly then that helps, and also if you get someone to always help you count cash, write things down and both sign it, you've got some fall back if anyone challenges it.

LMac

Thanks Sue. Im actually going to the NI habitat open night this week, so will hopefully be able to get more info there too, but was just looking some tips from here as well. I have lots of eager volunteers so shouldnt have a problem finding people to help me count the donations- may even have to fight them off as they are almost as into it all as I am. :j

I very much appreciate your input