Fundraising & Sector Guidance

A quick, practical reminder

Raising money is a big part of keeping local groups going. Whether you run a bake sale, ask for donations online, apply for grants or work with a local business, it is important that people can trust how you raise and use money.

The Charity Commission updated its fundraising guidance, known as CC20, in February 2026. It applies to charities in England and Wales and makes clear that trustees remain responsible for fundraising; even if staff, volunteers or an outside organisation do the day-to-day work.

What this means in practice
You do not need a large fundraising team or complicated paperwork. The main thing is to make sensible decisions, keep a record of them and make sure fundraising fits with what your organisation is here to do.

If you are a trustee, think of your role as asking the right questions:

Does this fundraising idea fit our aims and values?

Is it safe, fair and realistic?

Do we understand the costs and risks?

Are supporters clear about what their money will help with?

If someone else is fundraising for us, are we checking that they are doing it properly?

Trustees do not have to organise every event or write every social-media post. That can be done by staff or volunteers. But trustees should agree the overall approach, keep an eye on what is happening and step in if something does not feel right.

Keep fundraising clear and honest
The Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice has applied since 1st November 2025. It expects organisations to fundraise legally, openly, honestly and respectfully. The Code covers fundraising by charities as well as people and organisations fundraising on their behalf.

A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Say clearly what donations will help with.
• Avoid promising a very specific outcome unless you are sure you can deliver it.
• Be honest if part of the money raised will cover the cost of fundraising.
• Be particularly thoughtful when approaching older people, children or anyone who may be vulnerable.
• Keep donor information safe and only use it properly.
• Make it easy for people to ask questions, complain or stop receiving fundraising messages.

For example, instead of saying, “Every £10 will pay for one food parcel,” you could say, “Your donation will help local people facing hardship, including through food, advice and practical support.” This is still clear, but gives your organisation room to respond if local needs change.

How to get started
At your next committee or trustee meeting, set aside 15 minutes to ask:

• What fundraising are we planning this year?
• Who is responsible for it day to day?
• Have we agreed a simple budget and checked the main risks?
• Are our fundraising messages accurate and respectful?
• Do we have a basic process for handling donations, complaints and personal information?
• Are we using an outside fundraiser, platform or partner? If so, are we checking their work?

The Charity Commission’s guidance is a useful starting point, while the Code of Fundraising Practice provides more practical standards and support for everyday fundraising decisions.

Good fundraising is about treating people fairly, looking after your organisation’s reputation and making sure every supporter can feel confident in the difference their contribution will make.

The Involve Forum is a welcoming space for local VCSE and grassroots organisations to come together, share what they are seeing, raise emerging issues and explore practical ideas and solutions.

Whether you are responding to regulatory change, growing community need, developing a new service or simply want to connect with others doing similar work, your voice and experience are warmly welcomed click here to get in touch.