Your safety is our top priority while fundraising. However you choose to support us, please make sure you’re following any legal guidelines and don’t forget to have fun along the way!
If you’re a child or young person, you must always take an adult with you when you ask for or collect money.
We’d love to hear about your fundraising idea!
It’s a good idea to keep us informed of any events you are holding – this way if anyone wants to check that you are in fact raising money for us, we can confirm this. We can also provide you with some fundraising materials, so let us know in plenty of time. For large events we would ask that you do let us know beforehand.
Below are some basic guidelines for different types of events. Charity fundraising is regulated by law and you could be fined if you don’t follow the rules. For more information, or if you are unsure of what you need to do for your event, email fundraising@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk
We’re more than happy to help.
Our values
As a charity, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to representing our community with fairness, equality, and integrity. To uphold these principles, we reserve the right to decline any donations that may conflict with our ethos.
Collections
You need permission to collect in a public place such as a street or even door-to-door. Contact your local council for advice.
If you plan to collect donations on private property – such as in a shopping centre – you must first obtain permission from the property owner or manager. We recommend that all collectors be over the age of 18. However, please note that by law, anyone collecting must be at least 16 years old or accompanied by an adult.
Food and drink
If you’re planning to serve or sell food at your event, food safety laws apply and you must follow proper hygiene procedures. For guidance, contact your local authority’s environmental health department.
If you plan to sell alcohol – even if it’s included in the ticket price – you’ll need a licence. A temporary licence can be obtained from your local magistrates’ court, but you must apply at least one month in advance. You don’t need a licence if you hold your event on licensed premises or ask a pub to organise the bar for the event.
Branding
By law, York Carers Centre charity registration number 1127644 must appear on all posters and advertisements that invite people to participate or help – please state ‘We are fundraising in aid of York Carers Centre.’ However, please contact us before using our logo or name.
Insurance
You must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other relevant legislation. If you organise an event that involves the public in any way, you will need to ensure you have public liability insurance and an adequate risk assessment has been done. We cannot accept responsibility for accidents, so make sure that your event is safe for all concerned.
Just let us know – we’re here to help.
If you are under 18 years of age
If you’re a child or young person, it’s important that you’re always accompanied by an adult when asking for or collecting money. Be mindful when carrying cash – avoid carrying large amounts, stick to safe routes, go with a friend if possible, and consider taking a personal alarm for extra security.
After the event
Please make sure that the money you raise or collect is sent to York Carers Centre as safely and quickly as possible and within 28 days of the event. It’s a good idea to get two different people to count and check the money. If possible, please pay the funds directly into our bank account or fundraise through our Local Giving site. If this is not possible please send us a cheque for the amount raised or we can meet you to collect the monies.
Please note that any expenses you incur must not be claimed from any donations you raise unless you have received consent first.
All cheques and postal orders should be made payable to York Carers Centre sent to us at the following address: 17 Priory Street, York YO1 6ET.
Please include your name and address details and a brief description of where and how the money was raised.
It would also be fantastic if you could send us any photos and any funny or unusual stories about the event as we may use them on our website, ebulletins and newsletters.
