Planning your fundraising what you need to know
Our supporters inspire us with their kindness and generosity every single day. However you wish to fundraise to help save lives in your community 24/7, you may find our Fundraising Tips below useful.
If you would like any further information or support, please our Supporter Engagement Team on 03450 669 999 or email info@eaaa.org.uk.
LICENSES AND INSURANCE
By organising your own fundraising event in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance, you are responsible for taking adequate steps to make sure that the event poses no risk to others.
You should check that buildings and equipment you hire are covered (insurance is often included in the fee) and you may need to consider arranging Public Liability cover for some events. This will protect you against claims made by third parties for injury or property damage as a result of negligence. For private events this may not be necessary. Please seek advice if you are unsure.
We also suggest that you check if any special licences are required. If your event involves the sale of alcohol and/or live or recorded music, dancing, showing of a film or performance of a play, an indoor sporting event (including a boxing or wrestling match), or any entertainment of a similar nature you may need a licence. Speak with your local authority, the police and other relevant parties as necessary. For further help, please contact our Supporter Engagement Team.
HEALTH AND SAFETY AND RISK ASSESSMENTS
Follow the professional advice of equipment manufacturers and staff supervising any facilities. Events need to be adequately risk-assessed to find, reduce and control the risk to all those taking part and members of the public who may be attending.
East Anglian Air Ambulance cannot accept liability for any loss, damage or injury suffered by yourself or anyone else as a result of taking part in a fundraising event organised in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Some useful information on organising your own event can be found at the Institute of Fundraising.
Help for how to complete a risk assessment can be found at the Health and Safety Executive.
Collections
If you’re planning on collecting money in a public space, you’ll need a license (check with your local authority). You should also have two unrelated people count the money.
Public collections take place in a public space. Public collections are governed by strict legal requirements and must be licensed by the local authority. Before you approach your local authority for a license, please contact our Supporter Engagement Team.
Some popular premises for public collections, such as supermarkets, train stations, etc. may require you to arrange Public Liability Insurance. It’s worth checking beforehand.
Private collections take place on private premises and do not need the permission of the local authority. If you’re organising a private collection, you only need the permission of the owner of the premises.
FOOD HYGIENE
You need to take care when handling food and work to basic rules for safe preparation, storage, display and cooking. There’s more information available from the Food Standards Agency.
This is vitally important. Please take great care when handling food and work to basic rules for safe preparation, storage, display and cooking.
A Food Standards Agency booklet ‘Preventing Food Poisoning – Good hygiene at home’ can be downloaded from the Food Standards Agency website. Further information can be found on the NHS Choices website and from your local authority.
Raffles
Raffles are a great way of raising money, but it’s important to be aware of the legalities and whether you’ll need a license for your event. You can check the latest information and advice at the Gambling Commission website.
There are strict legal requirements about the organisation of raffles, lotteries and prize draws. Please check the guidelines with our Supporter Engagement Team or your local EAAA Fundraising Officer before you plan your raffle. They’ll be able to help you make sure you’ve thought of everything.
DATA PROTECTION
Make sure any electronic or paper record you keep about people involved in a fundraising event is compliant with current data protection regulations and law.
As a rule of thumb, don’t keep information about people any longer than you have to, and don’t share information or data about someone without their permission. More information can be found at the Information Commissioner’s Office.
