As fundraisers for the YMCA Robin Hood group you help us give more children and young people the chance to belong, contribute and thrive.
Without you we simply couldn’t do this – your hard work and positive attitude is incredibly important.
So we want to help you as much as we possibly can.
This policy explains how YMCA Robin Hood Group approaches fundraising and it also gives information about how to fundraise. It’s for everyone – volunteers and staff – who fundraise for YMCA and other charities.
There are lots of ways to raise funds, from holding cake sales to partnering with companies. And there are so many people who would love to make a contribution to the YMCA: your community, your local businesses, your family and friends.
You’ll find resources, advice and practical tips to help make your fundraising successful in our Fundraising toolkit. We’ve developed these in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice, which describes the standards expected of all UK charitable fundraising. This Code is also underpinned by the fundraising promise: that all fundraising must be legal, open, honest and respectful.
What fundraising legislation do we follow?
UK fundraising practice must follow the relevant legislation – set out in the Charities Acts, other relevant legislation and local government by-laws. Fundraising is regulated in England and Wales by the Fundraising Regulator which holds the Code of Fundraising Practice for the UK and which makes sure all fundraising is legal, open, honest and accountable.
What is The Code of Fundraising Practice?
The Code of Fundraising Practice gives the standards expected of all UK charitable fundraising organisations. It includes information about important principles and behaviours, and explains the standards for each different area of fundraising – for example collections, events and trust fundraising.
You must read the policy section, to make sure you comply with this in your fundraising.
What is The Code of Fundraising Practice?
The Code of Fundraising Practice gives the standards expected of all UK charitable fundraising organisations. It includes information about important principles and behaviours, and explains the standards for each different area of fundraising – for example collections, events and trust fundraising.
You must read the policy section, to make sure you comply with this in your fundraising.
YMCA Robin Hood Group’s policy
What is our approach?
We are committed to responsible fundraising practice, so we are registered with the Fundraising Regulator and have signed up to the fundraising promise, meaning our fundraising activity will always be legal, open, honest and respectful.
When does this policy apply?
As a YMCA volunteer or member of staff involved in any activity to raise funds for YMCA or for other charities as part of YMCA activity, you must follow this policy. Fundraising activity includes all activities covered by the Code of Fundraising Practice, and any social enterprise activity.
What are YMCA’s expectations?
As fundraisers you are expected to comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice, and to use the guidance on the YMCA website. The Code of Practice may be amended from time to time and we will update the website when this happens. If you need up-to-date advice, check the current Code of Practice or contact the fundraising team at head office.
As fundraisers you must also maintain accurate financial records, to allow for transparency, continuity and succession planning.
Where else can I go for help?
You can find more information about fundraising from our toolkit . You can also contact the fundraising team at head office funding@ymcarhg.org. And you can get more guidance from the Institute of Fundraising.
What should I do if someone has a complaint about fundraising?
It’s our aim that everyone who donates to YMCA Robin Hood Group has an extremely positive experience. But we understand that sometimes this may not happen and supporters may not be happy with their experience. If this happens you should report any complaints to funding@ymcarhg.org or admin@ymcarhg.org
Find our Complaints Policy here.
What should I do if I have a concern about YMCA’s fundraising practice?
As a member of staff or volunteer, if you have a serious concern about YMCA’s fundraising practice you should inform YMCA Robin Hood Group, in line with the whistleblowing policy (this can be found on the Staff Intranet).
Examples of the types of concern you might raise under the whistleblowing policy (as opposed to complaints) are:
- Criminal offences
- Breach of any legal or professional obligation
- Breach of the Fundraising Code of Practice
- Deliberately concealing any of the above