Fundraising remains at the heart of the charity sector’s ability to deliver impact, but recent high-profile investigations by the Fundraising Regulator highlight continuing risks around compliance with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
Three separate cases published demonstrate how breaches in standards, particularly around donor communications and transparency, can result in regulatory findings and corrective action.
JustGiving’s website
The Fundraising Regulator has warned that JustGiving’s website is not fully compliant with the Code of Fundraising Practice - particularly around how optional tips and platform fees are presented to donors.
Although online platforms are increasingly integral to charitable fundraising, the regulator emphasises that transparency and donor choice are core code principles. JustGiving’s current approach includes a default “tip” option suggested to donors, and while donors can opt out, the regulator is concerned that the presentation and prominence of free-donation options could inadvertently influence giving decisions. This potentially breaches the code’s requirement that fundraising must be “open, honest and respectful.”
The findings from these investigations highlight core principles at the heart of the Code of Fundraising Practice which can be easily overlooked. They serve as a timely reminder for fundraising charities to maintain strong fundraising governance, keep compliance under regular review, and ensure messaging and donor journeys remain clear, fair and transparent.
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MHA’s Not-for-Profit eNews provides regular insights on key developments affecting charities, education providers, and social enterprises. To discuss how these updates may affect your organisation, please contact a member of our Not-for-Profit Audit and Advisory team.
