Fund Raising for Groups
As stated in the Rules of Affiliation, any group, may raise funds in its own name without seeking permission from YHA, but generally, it will only be possible for a group to use the YHA’s name, registered charity number and logo when YHA or a hostel is the intended beneficiary.
Every Local Group needs to raise money to pay for its running expenses which include hire charges for meeting places, programmes, publicity, postage and phone charges. The basic practice with the majority of Groups is to levy two charges on its members - an attendance charge for participation in regular meetings and an annual Group membership charge. The first of these is basically to cover room hire while the second is to cover Group running costs.
It may be however that in setting what are regarded as reasonable charges the Group fails to break even. In these circumstances additional fund raising is essential for the survival of the Group. But, fund raising has other purposes. Traditionally many Local Groups have adopted a favourite youth hostel for which they may wish to provide extras and many Groups have responded when appeals are made for special projects.
In looking at ways of fund raising Groups can consider activities which involve principally their members or activities which involve the general public. The first category includes special events for which extra charges can reasonably be made; dances, parties, outings, - while the second category includes social events and open evenings to which the general public is invited.
In addition money may be raised by sponsored activities, by inviting advertising in Group programmes, by seeking donations in the form of prizes for raffles and by the use of certain catalogues on which charitable organisations (the YHA being a registered charity) can obtain commission from the sale of goods.
Whenever funds are to be raised using YHA’s name and publicity material, the agreement of YHA’s Head of Fundraising must be sought beforehand.
General advice about fundraising opportunities, the law and regulations is always available from the Head of Fundraising.
The Key points for Groups to keep in mind whenever they consider any fundraising project for themselves, the YHA, or any other beneficiary, are:
- Publicity material must clearly state who the funds raised are intended to benefit.
- Make sure the intended beneficiary knows of your plans in advance.
- Do not use YHA’s name, registered charity or logo without prior consent from the Head of Fundraising.
- If a raffle or collection, involving the general public, is organised, it is likely that a Local Authority permit will be necessary.
- At least two people should be responsible for handling donations. Do not leave it to one person alone.