The laws around starting to raise funds for a not for profit project

[chaperon2005]

I have an idea and want to raise funds for it, its not aimed at helping disadvantaged groups but at creating a good place to live. Can anyone help in the laws around raising fundst, I need a lot.

[sara3]

not a charity? and a good place for whom?

[buildersmate]

Why would you just not register this as a charity?

[Buenchico]

You'll need to be more specific about your planned METHODS of fund-raising, Chaperon2005. Anyone can stick an ad in a newspaper asking for funds for just about anything (as long as it's not for an illegal activity, such as supporting terrorism). Similarly you can write to potential sponsors, asking for their support, without breaking any laws.

So, for example, I could set up 'Buenchico's Holiday Fund' and invite contributions from the general public and from sponsors. (The fact that it's not a charity or 'good cause' is irrelevant. As long as I don't mislead anyone I'm perfectly entitled to ask for donations - even though I'm very unlikely to actually receive any!).

However if I tried to raise funds by rattling a collecting tin in the street I'd be breaking the law. (Unless it's an official 'flag day', authorised by the local authority, any such activity constitutes 'begging'). Similarly if I tried to run a lottery to raise money for my project, I'd fall foul of the gaming laws. (Lotteries must be licensed by local authorities. Licences are only available to recognised 'good causes', such as registered charities and schools).

I could, however, organise fun days or (for example) promote music events to raise funds for my cause, without breaking any laws.

Tell us what fund-raising measures you're actually considering. Only then can we can assess their legality.

Chris

[cassa333]

There is a little girl im my children's school whos parents a trying to raise £50k to send her to America for an operation to enable her to walk.

All their fundraising litriture clearly states what they are raising the money for.

They have a website and have even got a 'local celeb' interested.

They have raised about £35k since the begining of the year and have until Oct to raise the rest.