Policy, Organisation and Rules

5f.1.1.1 Purpose of fundraising 
To maintain its work and to generate all that is needed to implement its training programme, the Scout movement has to support itself financially.  

Groups, Districts and Counties are expected to generate sufficient funds to carry out their own programme of activities.  

5f.1.1.2 Standards
Fundraising carried out on behalf of Scouts must be conducted in accordance with the principles embodied in the Scout Promise and Law, and our Values (see POR Chapter 1).  

Within the provisions of this policy the methods of fundraising may be chosen so long as they are consistent with the Movement's reputation and good standing.  

5f.1.1.3 Acceptable fundraising 
Fundraising conducted on behalf of Scouts may be by any means provided it is: 

1. not forbidden by law 
2. acceptable to the local community 

Proceeds of the fundraising activity must be used wholly to fund the work of the Group, District or County or, in the case of joint activities with other organisations, that part of the proceeds allotted to the Group, District or County is wholly applied to the work of the Group, District or County.

5f.1.1.4 Public collections
Public collections of money are allowed provided that the legislation regarding age, action and location of collectors is complied with.  

Collections may take place even though there is no visible reciprocal effort for the donation. Stickers and flags are appropriate. It is considered that value for the donation has already been given to society by the work of the Scout Movement in and for the community.   

5f.1.1.5 Use of funds raised
Where the reason for the fundraising is stated, the proceeds must only be used for that purpose. 

5f.2.1.1 Conditions for joint fundraising projects
Joint fundraising projects with other charitable organisations are permitted provided that the part of the proceeds allotted to the other organisation is used wholly for purposes other than those of private gain.  

Country Headquarters must be consulted if there is the slightest doubt as to the bona fides of the other organisation in respect of the purposes of the fundraising activity.  

5f.2.1.2 Agreements 
When participating in a joint project, terms must be agreed and recorded in a Memorandum of Understanding or non-legal agreement. 

5f.3.1.1
All fundraising undertaken on behalf of the Movement must be carried out as prescribed by the law. This includes those regulations governing house to house collections, street collections, lotteries, gaming, children and young persons. Details may be obtained from the Fundraising Support section of scouts.org.uk. 

5f.4.1.1 Required approvals 
If a Group considers raising funds by means governed by any legislation as detailed at POR 5f.3.1.1, the proposed activity must have the recorded approval of the Group Trustee Board, the Sponsoring Authority (if any), and the District Chair. 

If a District considers raising funds by means governed by any legislation as detailed at POR 5f.3.1.1, the proposed activity must have the recorded approval of the District Trustee Board and the County Chair, 

If a County considers raising funds by means governed by any legislation as detailed at POR 5f.3.1.1, the proposed activity must have the recorded approval of the County Trustee Board and the Country Chair.

5f.4.1.2 Important considerations 

1. Regard must be paid to the views of parents and to local public opinion. Activities affected by this legislation include raffles, whist drives and similar methods of fundraising involving participation on payment of stakes.  
2. Groups, Districts or Counties in the areas adjacent should be informed of the proposed activity. Care must be taken to contain the activity within as close an area to that in which the Group or District or County operates as practical.  

5f.4.1.3 Ensuring compliance with regulations 
For any fundraising activity governed by legislation, the appropriate Trustee Board must appoint a person (often called a promoter) to be responsible for ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. 

5f.4.1.4 Advertising 

1. Any advertising material used must conform with the requirements of the legislation and must not contain any matter which is not in strict conformity with the standards of The Scout Association.  
2. If the Group, District or County (as appropriate) is a charity in law, this fact must be stated in any advertising material. 

5f.5.1.1 Restrictions 

1. Groups, Districts and Counties must not issue general appeals for funds.  
2. Any permitted appeal must not exceed the boundaries of the District in which the Group is located, or of the District or County as appropriate. 

5f.5.1.2 Approvals 
In exceptional circumstances: 

1. Groups must seek approval from the District Trustee Board
2. Districts must seek approval from the County Trustee Board (who must consult the Country Headquarters)  
3. Counties must seek approval from UK Headquarters.  

5f.6.1.1 Appointments 
Groups must not appoint a professional fundraiser without the approval of the District Trustee Board who must ensure that the requirements of the legislation are fully complied with.  

Districts must not appoint a professional fundraiser without the approval of the County Trustee Board who must ensure that the requirements of the legislation are fully complied with.  

Counties may appoint a professional fundraiser.   

5f.6.1.2 Legal compliance 
All legislation associated with fundraising must be fully complied with.  

5f.7.1.1 Policy
A Group, District or County may accept financial support in the form of grants or loans provided that it raises a proportion of its own funds.   

This would include grants, loans or donations provided for specific purposes, which would constitute Restricted Funds. 

5f.7.2 Applications for grants or loans  

5f.7.2.1 Grants or loans from Local Authorities 
Applications for grants or loans from Local Authorities: 

1. Group and District applications must be approved by the District Chair and the County Lead Volunteer before submission.  
2. County applications must be approved by the County Chair and the County Lead Volunteer before submission.  

5f.7.2.2 Grants from UK Headquarters 
Applications for grants from UK Headquarters: 

1. Group applications must have the approval of the Group Chair and the District Lead Volunteer.  
2. District applications must have the approval of the District Chair and the County Lead Volunteer.  
3. County applications must have the approval of the County Chair and the County Lead Volunteer.  

5f.7.2.3 Loans from sources other than Local Authorities or UK Headquarters 
Applications for loans from sources other than Local Authorities or UK Headquarters: 

1. Group applications must have the approval of the Group Chair and of the District Lead Volunteer if the latter so directs.  
2. District applications must have the approval of the District Chair and of the County Lead Volunteer if the latter so directs.  
3. County applications must have the approval of the County Chair and of the County Lead Volunteer if the latter so directs.  

5f.7.3 Changes to grants after the award of the grant 

5f.7.3.1
If it becomes necessary to change how grants will be spent which differ from what was originally agreed, the funder’s approval must first be obtained in writing if that is a condition of the grant awarded.