Making your event safe and legal - Fundraising resources

We couldn’t continue our vital work without the support of people like you. We want to make sure you have as much fun as possible while fundraising for Meningitis Now, but there are some things you need to do to ensure your fundraising is legal and safe.

Using our name and logo

You must clearly say you’re fundraising in aid of Meningitis Now. Make sure to use our in aid of Meningitis Now logos on any materials you create. If you don't, you will be asked to replace this with the correct logo.
Please include our name Meningitis Now, and our charity number 803016 (England & Wales) SCO37790 (Scotland) on all your materials.
If you are planning a raffle, lottery, street collection, etc., verify you have the necessary licences/permits.

Due-Diligence

Though you’re an individual, make sure any sponsorship or corporate donation is appropriate. Meningitis Now follows the Charity Commission & Fundraising Regulator principle of refusing money that may damage reputation.

Safeguarding

If your activity might put people at risk (e.g., children, those vulnerable), assess and manage those risks. Follow Meningitis Now’s safeguarding standards.

Health & safety

While your fundraiser is in support of Meningitis Now, the charity is not liable for any damage, loss or injury at your event.
Your event isn’t covered by our Public Liability Insurance Programme, so you may need to arrange your own insurance.
You are also responsible for your own health and safety and should complete any necessary risk assessments and secure First Aid provision if it is required. Insurance?

Fundraiser welfare

If you’re collecting in public, working alone, or in unfamiliar circumstances, please ensure you do so safely and that you take necessary precautions.
When fundraising for Meningitis Now, please ensure a friend or family member is aware of your location and can be contacted in case of an emergency.

Collection methods

Clearly label collection boxes or buckets with Meningitis Now’s name, charity number, and contact info. Once your event has ended, please seal and bank cash promptly. Please be mindful of the route you take when travelling, and do not carry cash in a collection tin or bucket when doing so.

Paying in your donations

The Fundraising Team will provide you with information about how to pay your donations into the charity following your event.

Refund policy

Raffles, Lotteries and Prize draws

For raffle and lottery advice, please visit https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Data Protection law (GDPR, DPA 2018)

You must get explicit consent to collect personal information from your donors and can retain data only as long as needed. More guidance is available at https://ico.org.uk/

Transparency

Clearly explain who you are (individual in aid of Meningitis Now), what funds raised will be supporting, and what happens if you overshoot or undershoot your target. To find out more about where your money goes visit https://www.meningitisnow.org/who-we-are/our-vision-and-mission/where-our-money-goes/

Respectful messaging

Avoid distressing images or tactics that may upset vulnerable individuals; if you must, use appropriate content warnings.
Please make sure to consider accessibility when organising an event e.g. text size. Please see our accessible fundraising guide here.

Recordkeeping

Keep clear records of: money collected, donors (if agreed), Gift Aid, permits, risk assessments, personal data use and disposal. Recommended retention: 3–5 years.
You must comply with the Fundraising Regulator Code. https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/about-fundraising/resources/new-guides-published-fundraisers-events-social-media-and-online-gaming

Complaints process

If someone has a concern, provide the Fundraising Regulator complaints route or contact Meningitis Now directly via Fundraising@meningitisnow.org.

☐ Plan event, identify risks, arrange any legal permissions

☐ Use fully labelled, sealed collection boxes or digital giving platforms

☐ Obtain consents for data, record how it’s used, share privacy info

☐ Communicate transparently: who, why, how, what if

☐ Make sure anyone helping at your event understands how to fundraise safely and legally.

☐ Keep records (3–5 years) and know how to handle complaints

☐ Review post-event: total raised, cost, lessons learned

If in doubt, ask: contact Meningitis Now or the Fundraising Regulator’s Code Advice Service.
Have fun and celebrate: Your efforts help save lives—thank you!