A Blog from the Fundraising Regulator
Donate and fundraise with confidence when you see the Fundraising Badge
The Fundraising Regulator explains how you can feel confident when giving or fundraising if you see the Fundraising Badge, the logo which shows that organisations are committed to good fundraising practice.
Crowdfunding is growing in popularity as a way for people to raise money for causes they care about and online fundraising platforms can be an easy way to share stories and collect donations.
How can I feel confident when giving and fundraising?
If you are donating, or setting up your own crowdfunding page, it’s important you feel confident that any money raised will be collected and handled securely, and only used for the purpose stated on the crowdfunding page. That’s why you should always check if the platform that hosts the page is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, as organisations who are registered with us have committed to uphold good fundraising practices that protect donors.
What does the Fundraising Regulator do?
The Fundraising Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We exist to protect people from poor fundraising practices and support the vital work of fundraisers so that charities can raise money to support good causes. We do this by maintaining and upholding the Code of Fundraising Practice, which sets out how organisations should fundraise.
To check a platform or charity is committed to ethical fundraising, look out for the Fundraising Badge, the logo that shows an organisation is registered with the Fundraising Regulator, and you can also look the organisation up in our online Directory.
What does registering with the Fundraising Regulator mean?
Organisations that register with us agree to ensure their fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful. For example, platforms should include a ‘fees and charges’ page on their website so you are clear how much of a donation will reach the cause, as well as explain how you can make a complaint if things go wrong and what will happen if you want to ask for a refund. Platforms should also share how they protect you against fraud, including having a clear policy on donations going to private bank accounts.
Where can you find the Fundraising Badge?
Charities should display the Fundraising Badge on their fundraising materials, including on their own websites. You can also check that a platform or charity is registered with us by visiting our online Directory and using the search function.
When you see the badge, you can feel confident when donating and fundraising.
You can find out more about the Fundraising Regulator and access our guidance on topics like setting up your own fundraising appeal and how to give safely online by visiting our website www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk.