Fundraising Regulator guidance on hosting charitable cash collections
· Posted on: June 10th 2025 · read
Charitable cash collections in retail spaces can be an effective and valuable form of support that increases visibility and awareness of the Not for Profit sector and the various causes that are being funded.
However, cash donations often pose a very real fraud risk and therefore it is of high importance that all those involved – the collecting charity, fundraisers, donors, and retailers – have robust processes for the collection process in place.
The Fundraising Regulator has published advice for retailers who host charitable cash collections on their premises. The advice includes practical steps to take, including:
- Carrying out basic checks to confirm the legitimacy of the organisation requesting to collect.
- Establishing a clear booking process, including contact details and confirmation of collection arrangements.
- Appointing a named store contact to oversee collections and be available on the day.
- Ensuring the secure handling of donations, with recommended approaches to transferring funds to good causes.
- Raising concerns where necessary, with signposts to the right points of contact both inside and outside the organisation.
Not for Profit
Read more about Not for ProfitRead morePutting a formalised process in place can help prevent fraud and ensure that fundraising is successful. Ultimately, it is in everyone’s interest that charitable collections are well-managed and beneficial to the cause. Standardising the approach will create a positive experience for donors and assist in maintaining the public’s confidence in the causes they choose to support.
