Fundraising policy

Our fundraisers make a world of difference

Approved: 3 November 2019
Version: 3
Content owner: Fundraising

As fundraisers for Girlguiding you help us give more girls the chance to learn skills, make friends, have adventures and grow in confidence.

Without you we simply couldn’t do this - your hard work and positive attitude is incredibly important.

So we want to help you as much as we possibly can.

This policy explains how Girlguiding approaches fundraising and it also gives information about how to fundraise. It’s for everyone – volunteers and staff - who fundraise for Girlguiding and other charities.

There are lots of ways to raise funds for all guiding groups, from holding cake sales to partnering with companies. And there are so many people who would love to make a contribution to Girlguiding: your community, your local businesses, your family and friends.

You’ll find resources, advice and practical tips to help make your fundraising successful in our Fundraising toolkit. We’ve developed these in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice, which describes the standards expected of all UK charitable fundraising. This Code is also underpinned by the fundraising promise: that all fundraising must be legal, open, honest and respectful.

What fundraising legislation do we follow?

UK fundraising practice must follow the relevant legislation – set out in the Charities Acts, other relevant legislation and local government by-laws. Fundraising is regulated in England and Wales by the Fundraising Regulator which holds the Code of Fundraising Practice for the UK and which makes sure all fundraising is legal, open, honest and accountable.

Fundraising by charities only registered in Scotland is subject to regulation by the Scottish Fundraising Standards Panel. Fundraising in Scotland by charities where the lead regulator is the Charity Commission in England and Wales, is regulated by the Fundraising Regulator.

What is The Code of Fundraising Practice?

The Code of Fundraising Practice gives the standards expected of all UK charitable fundraising organisations. It includes information about important principles and behaviours, and explains the standards for each different area of fundraising - for example collections, events and trust fundraising.

You must read the policy section, What are Girlguiding’s expectations? to make sure you comply with this in your fundraising.  

‘Code of Fundraising Practice’ – means the mandatory standards set out by the Fundraising Regulator. The Code is followed by the Scottish Fundraising Standards Panel too.

‘Fundraising’ - means the seeking of financial support for Girlguiding as a charity or raising funds for other charities. Fundraising covers things small and big - from raising £50 from a tombola to getting a £5k grant - and everything in between. You can find more definitions of the different types of fundraising on our website.

‘Social enterprise’ – means income generation activity where profits are reinvested to benefit the community or charity.

‘Fundraising promise’ – means a commitment made to donors and the public by fundraising organisations who register with the Fundraising Regulator, to make sure their fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful.

‘Fundraising Regulator’ – means the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

‘Girlguiding’ – means the Guide Association (registered charity no.306016) and all local units, countries, regions, counties, divisions and districts.

‘HQ’ – means the headquarters of Girlguiding.

‘Institute of Fundraising’ – means the professional membership body for UK fundraising.

‘Scottish Fundraising Standards Panel’ – means the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in Scotland for Scottish registered charities.

Girlguiding’s policy

What is our approach?

We are committed to responsible fundraising practice, so we are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and have signed up to the fundraising promise, meaning our fundraising activity will always be legal, open, honest and respectful.

When does this policy apply?

As a Girlguiding volunteer or member of staff involved in any activity to raise funds for Girlguiding or for other charities as part of Girlguiding activity, you must follow this policy. Fundraising activity includes all activities covered by the Code of Fundraising Practice, and any social enterprise activity.

What are Girlguiding’s expectations?

As fundraisers you are expected to comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice, and to use the guidance on the Girlguiding website. The Code of Practice may be amended from time to time and we will update the website when this happens. If you need up-to-date advice, check the current Code of Practice or contact the fundraising team at head office.

As fundraisers you must also maintain accurate financial records, to allow for transparency, continuity and succession planning. You can find more information about record keeping on the website under the unit finances section.

Where else can I go for help?

You can find more information about fundraising for Girlguiding in our toolkit. You can also contact the fundraising team at head office on 020 7834 6242 or by email at [email protected]. And you can get more guidance from the Institute of Fundraising.

What should I do if someone has a complaint about fundraising?

It’s our aim that everyone who donates to Girlguiding has an extremely positive experience. But we understand that sometimes this may not happen and supporters may not be happy with their experience. If this happens you should report any complaints in line with the complaints policy.

What should I do if I have a concern about Girlguiding’s fundraising practice?

As a member of staff or volunteer, if you have a serious concern about Girlguiding’s fundraising practice you should inform Girlguiding, in line with the Whistleblowing Policy.

Examples of the types of concern you might raise under the whistleblowing policy (as opposed to complaints) are:

  • Criminal offences
  • Breach of any legal or professional obligation
  • Breach of the Fundraising Code of Practice
  • Deliberately concealing any of the above

If you have concerns about fundraising practice, and can’t resolve your concerns within Girlguiding, you should share them with the Fundraising Regulator (England, Wales & Northern Ireland) or the Independent Fundraising Standards and Adjudication Panel (Scotland). You can find more information about this on their websites.