What does registering with the Fundraising Regulator really mean for small charities?
In this Frequently Asked Friday blog, Helen Oparinde, our Sector Growth Coordinator, breaks down what registration looks like in practice and why it might be more achievable (and beneficial) than you think.
The question:
I’m thinking about registering with the Fundraising Regulator to make sure we’re doing things the right way and to help our charity build trust with supporters.
But looking at the Code of Fundraising Practice, it feels like a big commitment for a small team like ours.
What does registering with the Fundraising Regulator actually involve for small charities like us?
The answer:
Registering with the Fundraising Regulator shows your charity is committed to fundraising in a way that is legal, open, honest, and respectful—following the Code of Fundraising Practice.
If you register, your organisation can:
- Use the official Fundraising Badge on your materials
- Be listed in the Fundraising Regulator’s public directory, showing you meet recognised standards
Registration fees are scaled based on how much your organisation spends on fundraising each year, so they’re fairer for small charities.
Why register?
- People are more likely to donate to charities that display the Fundraising Badge, as it’s a sign of trust and transparency
- Some funders (including trusts and foundations) use the public directory during due diligence checks
- For certain types of fundraising (like collecting donations in public places), being registered may be essential
For example:
If you want to collect donations at a train station, Network Rail requires you to be registered with the Fundraising Regulator at the time of your application (see their Charity Collections Policy for more details).
Want to learn more?
If you’re thinking about your charity’s fundraising approach, why not book onto our next Developing a Fundraising Strategy That Delivers course?
As part of our 150th birthday celebrations, we’re making all our regular training free to attend from April 2025 to March 2026.
Our gift to you to support your amazing work.
