How to receive online donations for small unregistered charity

PlutoinCapricorn

This may help:

https://www.smallcharities.org.uk/480/

phill99

Kitsi wrote: »

Not having second thoughts about the charity, we'll carry on doing what we're doing regardless. Was simply asking about receiving donations online.

Also, to be honest it has taken off a lot quicker than we ever expected so we're learning as we go along.

Do you have to be so critical when someones just asking for a genuine bit of advice??

But people aren't being critical. They are giving you a bit of a reality check.

With respect, there are many situations where people are simply 'too close' to a situation to be objective. Another mind going over your ideas will flag up issues that you have ignored or just not thought about.

It maybe that your husband can offer his expertise, knowledge and inside information to existing Tibetan charities, which may be far more valuable than just throwing another £50 at a subject. The giving of time can be worth a lot more than money itself.

PlutoinCapricorn

I understand that the cause is what motivates you, but someone has to deal with compliance and administrative issues. For example, if you want to claim gift aid on donations, you need declarations and need to think about data protection. There may also be help for small charities. It is worth investing some time in looking into these things:

http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/events-and-training/help-for-small-charities/

http://www.csv.org.uk/press/small-charities-skills-deficit

http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/sector_guides/charity

Kitsi

gb12345 wrote: »

So why not just focus on that initially? Make it an informational site and may be add links to some of the charities that have a higher % of donations directed to the cause

If your own charity takes off then you can add it to the site later on.

Yeah that could be an option in the short term. At least we're still spreading awareness whoever the money goes to. We've handed out leaflets about other charities at our events before.

Kitsi

phill99 wrote: »

But people aren't being critical. They are giving you a bit of a reality check.

With respect, there are many situations where people are simply 'too close' to a situation to be objective. Another mind going over your ideas will flag up issues that you have ignored or just not thought about.

It maybe that your husband can offer his expertise, knowledge and inside information to existing Tibetan charities, which may be far more valuable than just throwing another £50 at a subject. The giving of time can be worth a lot more than money itself.

I know, sorry. The person who I directed that comment towards just came across a little rude and seemed to misinterpret what I said.

Thank you, I appreciate what you're saying. In the past we have supported other Tibet charities. Its just my husband and I have recognised a gap that needs filling which other charities have so far ignored. He's witnessed the struggles that these families go through and the difference a little bit of help can make. Not just to the individuals, but to the whole community.

PlutoinCapricorn

In your position I would invest some time in Googling "Small charities"+"advice" - and other keywords such as help, support, new etc. etc. just to get some background information.

For example, once you have a track record with HMRC for claiming gift aid, you may be able to get a top-up for donations that are not eligible. And there is this:

https://www.cjam.co.uk/2013/02/google-set-to-help-30000-small-charities-go-online/

Kitsi

PlutoinCapricorn wrote: »

I understand that the cause is what motivates you, but someone has to deal with compliance and administrative issues. For example, if you want to claim gift aid on donations, you need declarations and need to think about data protection. There may also be help for small charities. It is worth investing some time in looking into these things:

http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/events-and-training/help-for-small-charities/

http://www.csv.org.uk/press/small-charities-skills-deficit

http://www.ico.org.uk/for_organisations/sector_guides/charity

Thank you, will have a good look at these also

PlutoinCapricorn

Another suggestion: could you find somewhere - perhaps a Tibetan bookshop/craftshop/centre - that would permit you to use them as a c/o address? That would give you some legitimacy.

Also, are you able to provide evidence of transfer and distribution of funds?

Wywth

Kitsi wrote: »

I know, sorry. The person who I directed that comment towards just came across a little rude and seemed to misinterpret what I said.
.

How on earth can you consider me spending my time & effort trying to help you like this rude:

Wywth wrote: »

Paypal? Bank transfers in would also be another option.

I'm sorry, but a lack of a physical mailing address would make you look "dodgy"

Still, now I know your feelings on this I won't bother any more. Good luck!

Errata

If you're confident that people will donate without it being a registered charity and with no address, spend some of the money you've raised so far on a PO Box number.
Do make sure you put all the details of who cheques should be made out to, the bank account, sort code and the name and address of the bank on the website.