Charitable giving with confidence

In response to the shocking event in Southport at the end of July which led to the deaths of three young girls, the Charity Commission and The Fundraising Regulator made a joint statement to show support and to remind people that making a donation to a registered, regulated charity offers donors assurance that their funds will be effectively overseen and accounted for. 

The Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside launched an appeal to relieve financial hardship for the victims, survivors and their families. The Southport Strong Together Appeal will also help other charities and community organisations delivering projects and services in the area to support emotional well-being, mental health and bereavement support as well as community cohesion and violence prevention initiatives. Other local charities are also raising funds. 

Many charities receive donations because of very sad circumstances or events which are gratefully received which enables them to enhance their work and reach more beneficiaries in a particular local area. It therefore follows that the Trustees of these charities have been entrusted with these funds to protect the charity assets as well as for the benefit of their beneficiaries/cause.  

This is accomplished through the Charity demonstrating good governance and good accounting so that donors can give funds in a safe manner with the knowledge the funds will be used appropriately. This all builds and amplifies the trust placed on these entities. 

From any donor’s perspective, ensuring they are giving safely, can be achieved through following the recent guidance issued in the joint statement which includes: 

• Check the charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Register at www.gov.uk/checkcharity – most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered. 

• Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information. 

• Be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them. 

• Look out for the Fundraising Badge logo which says ‘registered with the Fundraising Regulator and check the Fundraising Regulator’s Directory of organisations which have committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.  

If you require guidance on anything mentioned in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact Head of Charities and Not for Profit, Sam Rouse here.