The Fundraising Regulator, the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, is urging people to follow “safe giving” guidelines as they support charities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The body, which encourages best practice in fundraising in order to protect donors and support the vital work of fundraisers, has highlighted the need for vigilance.
It said: “It is vital at this unprecedented time of need that donations reach their intended cause. Charities will form a core part of our collective response to the pandemic, so we encourage people to give to existing registered charities. By giving to a registered, regulated charity, the public can have reassurance that their funds will be accounted for in line with the charity law framework.”
Advice for the public on safe giving includes:
- Check the charity’s name and registration number at https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information
- Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any of your financial information.
- Take care when responding to emails or clicking on links in them.
- Contact or find out more online about the charity you are planning to support.
Baroness Tina Stowell, Chair of the Charity Commission, said: “British people have a proud tradition of charitable giving and generosity and this pandemic is already giving rise to that spirt of charity and community that brings people together. We want to ensure that people do so safely and in the most effective way possible so that people in need get help.
“We are especially encouraging everyone wanting to donate money to follow our simple steps to check that they are donating to a registered charity.”
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