Community Fundraising and Events
Events may be run by charities directly, or by volunteer fundraisers.
I want to go straight to the code and read what it says about events
Read the code
I want to go straight to the code and read what it says about eventsI have a concern about a particular event
Make a complaint
I have a concern about a particular eventFor fundraisers
Those planning events need to ensure that all required licenses and permissions are in place. This includes licenses for trading, selling alcohol, or preparing and selling food as applicable.
Event venues should be accessible and fit-for-purpose. Organisers are responsible for health and safety and ensuring that insurance is in place.
Where events are run by volunteers, it's important to make sure that agreements are in place. These will differ depending on whether the volunteer is ‘in aid of’ or ‘on behalf of’. For more information on working with volunteers see our topic page and section 5 of the code. If you are working with a third party fundraiser on an event you should read the standards in Part 2 of the code.
For challenge events, organisations and participants must be clear on responsibilities. Many challenge event participants raise money through online fundraising pages. If you intend to raise money this way, take a look at our online fundraising guidance. For more general information about challenge events, see the Chartered Institute of Fundraising's (CIoF) guidance.
Whenever you carry out fundraising, you should make sure that you are familiar with standards about behaviour when fundraising in section 1 and processing donations in section 4 of the Code of Fundraising Practice.
CIoF has published guidance for fundraisers on running successful events. The Cabinet Office also have guidance on organising a voluntary event.
For the public
Fundraising events provide a way of giving while having fun, keeping fit or making a difference in your community. This can help you to engage more with a charity's work, and learn about their cause.
Event organisers should always have appropriate insurance, licences and permissions in place. This includes permission to use the venue, sell alcohol, and prepare food.
Many challenge events raise money through online fundraising pages. If you are donating in this way, take a look at our online fundraising guidance.
If you are thinking of running an event for a charity, you should contact the charity first to let them know. You can find advice on running a successful event on the CIoF website.
If you suspect that an event being run in the name of a charity is not legitimate, check with the charity directly. Contact the police if the charity is unable to verify the legitimacy of the event.
