Regulations
Fundraising regulations
However you choose to raise money, unless the CAAT office staff are directly involved in helping you organise the event, you will need to make clear on your publicity and on the day that you are raising funds in aid of CAAT, rather than on behalf of CAAT. It seems like a small difference, but legally speaking it distinguishes you as a volunteer fundraiser rather than a member of CAAT staff.
Some fundraising events are governed by extra regulations, meaning you'll have to take a couple of extra steps before setting them up.
Additional regulations
Stalls and public collections
If you're hoping to run a stall or collect money in your local town centre, you should inform your your local authority, telling them where you hope to be and when. They may also ask you to inform the local police station. One or both of these bodies may require you to have a permit. They will also let you know of any further restrictions.
If you're planning a stall at a local event, have a collection tin on hand for donations. This is a great way to help raise awareness about the campaign at the same time as raising money. CAAT can supply collection tins, leaflets, campaign materials, posters, badges and other materials you might need for your stall. Simply contact our Office Coordinator on 020 7281 0297 or email our Office Co-ordinator to order the items you need. We have also come up with a brief guide on how to run an effective stall, have a look at CAAT's running a stall tips.
You may wish to collect money without a stall, for example on a public street in your town centre. It is advisable to collect in small groups, spacing out so that each person can be seen by at least one other collector. If your local authority requires identification, please contact the CAAT office.
Please note the following:
- You should use secure collection tins, which are available from the CAAT office
- You are not allowed to collect money on privately owned property e.g a shopping centre without the prior consent of the owner
- As with other events, it's a good idea for two people to count the cash together immediately after the event and bank it as soon as possible before sending a cheque to CAAT
For more guidance on collecting money in public, please consult the Institute of
Fundraising's guidelines on public collections PDF (50kb) 
Raffles and lotteries
Raffles and lotteries are a great way to raise additional money either at an event or as an event in themselves, especially if you can get the prizes donated for free.
Ideas for prizes:
- You could approach local businesses or shops to donate items or vouchers. Remember to remind them of the extra publicity it will generate for them
- Local restaurants may be willing to donate a meal or voucher
- You might know someone with a holiday home who would be willing to donate it rent-free for a week or two
- You could ask people to donate unwanted Christmas or birthday presents (in good condition of course!)
- You may even wish to get people to donate their time or skills as prizes
Whatever prizes you manage to rustle up, make sure they are clearly displayed or described to give people the incentive they need to buy that extra ticket.
There are certain regulations governing raffles run by volunteers. Raffles are classified differently depending on whom the tickets are being sold to and where they are taking place.
The two main types of raffles that volunteer fundraisers would be involved in are described below.
Incidental non-commercial lotteries
These are raffles held at a non-commercial event (e.g a fundraising event).
Rules stated by the Gambling Commission:
- All ticket sales and the draw must take place during the main event, which may last more than a single day. Sales can only take place on the premises where the event is being held and can be sold to anyone at the event, including those under 16
- The lottery must be promoted for a cause other than private gain (i.e you must clearly state that proceeds are going to CAAT)
- There are no restrictions on tickets or what is stated on them, so you are able to use cloakroom tickets or tickets you've designed yourself
- All tickets must cost the same, i.e you cannot offer 5 tickets for the price of 4
- Deductions from ticket sales must be no more than £100 costs and £500 prizes. (These figures may change, so it's best to check for up to date information on the Gambling Commission website
- The remaining income should go to the good cause
Small society lotteries
These are lotteries run by groups set up purely for non-commercial purposes (e.g a CAAT local group). Regulations are:
- Small society lotteries must not raise more than £20,000 in ticket sales. At least 20% of the money raised must go to the good cause
- Tickets are sold to the general public in advance of the draw and must include details of the beneficiary, the price and the draw date. Tickets cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 16
- These lotteries must be run by a named individual who has the permission of their local authority.There are special regulations regarding the promotion and organisation of a small society lottery and we strongly advise you to contact the CAAT office if you are thinking of running this type of lottery
Whichever type of raffle you are thinking of organising, we advise you to consult the Gambling Commission website and the Institute of Fundraising's code of practice
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