It is now possible for charities registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales to register with the Fundraising Regulator, without paying the voluntary levy. For a fee of £50, a charity will be able to access the “registered with” badge.
This means that registered charities can receive the benefits of registration without the payment of the controversial levy. Trustees may wish to consider whether registration is in the best interests of their charity, and whether the payment of the levy is best use of the charity’s funds. It is too early to tell whether a public statement of good practice will influence donors.
If a charity chooses to register, it will make a commitment to best practice in fundraising, to following the Code of Fundraising Practice and its associated Fundraising Rulebooks and to the Fundraising Promise. Failure to follow the Code or the Promise could lead to criticism and fines.
Other organisations will be able to register at a later date – probably between April and May 2017.
Register here.