Keep your fundraising safe and legal

Fundraising can be great fun, but it’s important to make sure your event is safe and legal, whatever you’re planning. Take some time to consider any risks that your activity might present, and also any regulations you should abide by.

This article highlights some of the areas you’ll need to consider. But don’t just rely on these tips. It’s best to check with your local council to make sure you’ve got everything covered.

Food safety laws apply when food is available, whether it’s for sale or not. Ensure you follow food hygiene procedures. Contact your local council for food hygiene regulations at events or see the Food Standards Agency's website.

Ask your local authority whether or not you need to obtain any special licences (such as public entertainment, collection or alcohol licences). If you’re holding the event in a public place, you must have permission from the council or landowner.

If you hold a small raffle on the day of your activity you don’t need a licence, so long as all ticket sales and the draw itself take place during the main event. It’s OK if your event lasts more than one day. You can apply discounts to tickets for multiple purchases, such as buy four tickets and get one free. You must make it clear who is running the raffle. Check the latest information and advice from the Gambling Commission and from the Institute of Fundraising.

Identify any hazards and assess any risks at your activity that you’ll need to consider. Ensure you have adequate first aid cover available for the scale of your activity. If you’re not sure, check with your local council.

It’s illegal to carry out house-to-house or public street collections without a licence. If you would like to join an organised Marie Curie collection, contact us to be put in touch with your local fundraiser.

Please remember you are responsible for the activity and Marie Curie cannot accept liability for any fundraising activity or event you undertake. If you’re planning an activity that involves the general public you’ll need to budget for public liability insurance, which can be obtained from any insurer. If you’re holding the event in a venue which has liability insurance (such as a village hall or pub) check they have the appropriate insurance and that it covers your activity.

For your own protection, if at all possible, make sure you count the money you've collected with another person present and have them verify the total amount raised. Ask people who want to make a donation by cheque to make it payable to Marie Curie rather than you personally. Make sure any cash donated is kept in a secure place and is banked as soon as possible. Find out more about paying in your fundraising to Marie Curie.

You will need to get parental permission if children are helping at your event or if you’re taking photographs of children. If your event is on private property, seek permission from the owner or manager.

Keep records of everything you do for future reference, and visit the Institute of Fundraising for extra advice and to ensure everything you are doing is legal.