Sometimes, it seems that the topic of charity makes even intelligent people say stupid things. The other day I had dinner with a friend of mine who I admire very much. He’s a very smart bloke, he’s made a lot of money, and he’s generous to good causes. We talked a bit about my work,… Read more »
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Something needs to be done about charity clothing collections before it’s too late
So it seems that chugging got some time off this week as the most publicly-derided form of fundraising. Research by the British Heart Foundation about where exactly the clothes people donate in charity bags end up – mostly sold aboard as rag, apparently – got nationwide coverage and ignited some serious debate. There are a… Read more »
Let charities run local newspapers
This week, a group of academics, journalists and charities proposed that charities should run local newspapers.At the moment, it’s far from clear whether a newspaper can be a charity. Many legal experts think so. The Charity Commission is sceptical. The new proposals ask the government to make it easier for them to do so.Providing a… Read more »
Chuggers worried about new PFRA penalties
The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association caused controversy in the sector last week with its announcement of a penalty points system for organisations whose street fundraisers break the rules. “Breaking the rules” could be as seemingly trivial as taking more than three steps alongside a potential donor, or straying outside an assigned area. More seriously, it… Read more »
Will street fundraising fines makes chuggers less pushy – and less effective?
Chuggers. I’d say you either love ‘em or loathe ‘em, but most people I talk to tend to fall into the second category. It’s probably one of the most contentious topics I come across when talking to friends or family about the charity sector. I find I’m split on the topic. Hammersmith high street seems… Read more »
Ditching extra insurance premiums for volunteer drivers was long overdue
There was a certain amount of backslapping this week when the Association of British Insurers announced that 54 insurance brands would no longer be charging extra premiums for people who use their cars for voluntary activities, such as taking people to hospital or on days out. The insurance companies presented it as an act of… Read more »
Not much for the riot wombles at Lambeth volunteer speed dating
Last night I went to a “speed dating” event organised by Lambeth Council. Before you start to think this was some strange kind of matchmaking service for public sector singletons, I should explain. The “dates” were between locals like myself who wanted to volunteer for projects in their community, and organisations in need of volunteers…. Read more »
How can the do-gooders who turned up after the riots be turned into long-term volunteers?
This week’s rioting in cities across England has shocked the nation – but it has also prompted displays of human nature’s better side. I have experienced two such displays in the past two days in my local area, Brixton in south London, where several shops were looted and a Foot Locker store was set on… Read more »
Why do some causes raise more money than others?
Last week, Cass Business School published its new Charity Market Monitor, which looks at the most successful fundraising charities in the UK. One interesting factor was the differing success of different charities. By far the most successful sector for fundraising was health, with Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation occupying the two top… Read more »
The Standard Chartered Great City Race featured the best-dressed audience I’ve seen on a sporting occasion
Last week, three months almost to the day after the London Marathon, I took to the streets of central London once again, surrounded by thousands of people running for charity. Roads were closed, and people gathered around to cheer on the runners. The distance was a little less dramatic, mind. Instead of the 42 kilometre… Read more »