Code of Fundraising Practice

oldtoolie

The Institute of Fundraising -- the professional body for charity fundraisers has updated the Code of Fundraising Practice. You can see it here:
https://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/guidance/code-of-fundraising-practice/

The IOF says,"These key values underpin the Code and our work, and OUGHT to be observed at all times.
Legal, Open, Honest, Respectful"

Not all charities are members of the IOF, but I think all charities should use these standards.

forgotmyname

Is it just me or does anyone else view charities with suspicion?

From doorstep collectors that print fake company registration details on their leaflets. To the charities claiming never to have received a donation from the named company.
(This is an issue with the collectors rather than the charity)

To people collecting for Children in Need and buying themself a new car with the funds.

Then there are the charities where the people running it all have brand new Mercedes all on lease paid for by the charity, Offices paid for by the charity.
But also use the premises for their other day to day runing of other businesses.

Is there a figure where costs must be a max % of the funds raised?

oldtoolie

It is a good idea to look at institutions, businesses, corporations, agencies, organisation and charities with a certain suspicion. I would not buy a car from some bloke in a pub car park. I would not invest in a scheme offered by an off-shore cold caller. I would not call the first plumber listed in the phonebook. And so on.

When I give to a charity, I'll talk to the person asking for the donation. Then I might check it out with a Google search, a scan of the charity's website and if I'm making a substantial donation, I'll look at their annual report on the charity commission website.

Many people make charitable donations part of their annual budget. That way they can be sure that it is Gift Aided and if they are high income can claim their own tax rebate (very MSE). If you do that, you can smile confidently as you walk past street fundraisers and say, 'No thanks, I already gave.'

Does the previous poster have any evidence that charities and the people who work for them are any more likely to engage in fraud than any other sector of society? Or perhaps he is looking for an excuse not to give back and help others less fortunate than himself. He should relax. He has no need for excuses. It is all in his signature. All he has to say to any charity fundraiser is, "No thanks, I'm a tight git."

eddie_justo

Thanks for sharing this, I am sure many charities i work with will find it useful.