Charity advice

Desperate_Dan_3

I've come onto the Charities forum to ask for some advice.
I have a charity in mind that I would like to begin raising money for, in the form of marathons etc.
Do I need to seek the charities permission to raise money for them? Are there any etiquette usually associated with fund-raising for a specified charity?

Savvy_Sue

If you are organising an event and using the charity's name to publicise it then yes, you need to seek the charity's permission. It would rarely be withheld, but it is important because the charity's trustees are responsible for what happens in their name. A charity which helps people with drink problems probably wouldn't want you organising a cheese and wine party in their name, to take an extreme example.

It is also useful to do this so that they can offer help and advice, if you need it.

If you are running a marathon and intend to pass your sponsorship money on to a particular charity, it's less important to get their permission in advance, but I would still advise you to do so as they may be able to offer help and advice. And if they are registered with JustGiving or MyCharityPage, then they may have suggestions for maximising your sponsorship! And will almost certainly suggest a fundraising page for starters!

You may find, for example, that they'll send you a t-shirt, or 'proper' sponsorship forms to save you designing your own, or literature for people who want to know more. If you told us you were running the Bristol half-marathon for us, we'd do all of that, AND invite you to lunch afterwards! Naturally we'd be cheering you on from the sidelines, as well.

Hope it all goes well!

JohalaReewi

If you are organising an event in the name of a charity, you should contact the charity. In particular, you should have public liability insurance and may need health and safety advice. The charity should be able to tell you what is required and may offer assistance.

If you are running in marathons, etc. it is definitely worth contacting the charity for the reasons Sue mentioned plus, the charity may be able to get you a place in a marathon if you find you can't get one yourself.