Fundraising and the Law
Laws govern fundraising, like all businesses and these laws must be adhered to at all times. Here you will find answers to the most common legal questions regarding fundraising. If your particular query is not answered here, please do contact the MND Association.
Collections
Static Collection Boxes
There are no legislative controls over static collection boxes.There are however guidelines. The main ones are as follows:
. Obtain written permission from the venue;
. Ensure boxes are properly labelled, numbered and sealed;
. Maintain records of where the boxes are sited and how much money is collected from each box;
. Open the box and count the money ideally at the venue with a member of staff or at worst ensure there is at least two people present when opening it.
Street Collections
Street collections are any collections made in any street or public place.. For all street collections you will require a permit, which can be obtained from your local Authority.
. Each collector must have a written Authority from the MND Association as well as an ID badge and be over the age of 16.
Private Property Collections
Private property is any property not owned by the council. This usually includes supermarkets, shopping centres etc. For these collections, permission from the owner is usually sufficient. However each collector must have a written Authority from the MND Association as well as an ID badge and be over the age of 16.House-to-House Collections
As with Street Collections you will need a permit from the local authority, a written Authority from the MND Association as well as an ID badge and be over the age of 16.Licences
Alcohol
An alcohol licence is required for any event where alcohol will be provided or sold. If the venue does not have its own licence, you can obtain one giving at least one months notice to the Licensing Justices of her Majesty's Court in the area where the event will take place.Entertainment
Several different types of licences may be required for different entertainment events. A public entertainment licence may be required for events like plays, dances, sporting events and films. Further details can be obtained from your Local Authority.Raffles
The MND Association is registered nationally with the gaming board of Great Britain and it is therefore no longer necessary for individuals to be registered separately with their Local Authority.If a raffle is being drawn in one evening and in the same venue where the tickets are being sold, then cloakroom tickets can be used. It is important to remember that it is illegal to sell one ticket for 25p and 5 for £1, as there must be an equal chance for everyone to win.
If you are pre-selling raffle tickets then the following information MUST be printed on each ticket. The order it is written on your raffle ticket is entirely up to you.
. The Charity Name:- Motor Neurone Disease Association;
. The Registered charity number:- Reg Charity No. 294354;
. This statement:- The MND Association is registered under the Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976 with the Gaming Board of Great Britain;
. The price of the ticket (which cannot exceed £2.00);
. The promoter's name and Address- Details can be obtained from the MND Association;
. The date of the draw.
Insurance
It is important to ensure that you are adequately insured for all events especially if there is a risk involved to participants, for example Parachute jumps. It is always advisable to check with the MND Association if your event involves large numbers of people in order that we can advise on insurance risks. The following will give you an indication of the types of insurance you may need.
. For any event where the public are involved you must have public liability insurance.
. For High-risk activities e.g. Parachute jumps, you must ensure that the individual has his or her own insurance. This is readily available and not normally expensive
First Aid
If the event involves large numbers of people, particularly members of the public, St John's Ambulance should be contacted to see if they are able to provide first aid.
In any event it is good practice to have a first aid box and a suitably qualified First Aider at any event.
Health and Safety
It is important to note that under the health and safety act 1974, the charity will be held responsible for breaches, for example failing to ensure that fire escapes are not blocked.
Food Safety
Any event involving the production, supply or sale of food must comply with the food safety act 1990. Further details are available from the environmental Health Departments.
Product Safety
New or second-hand products sold at an event must comply with any safety requirements set by law. Further details can be obtained from local trading standards or consumer departments.
It is important to note that the MND Association cannot endorse Bungee Jumping in any instance and we would actively discourage anybody from participating in this type of event.