How to raise money for charity

[Missy D]

I need to raise quite a lot of money for someone very close to me but, I am not sure what I need to do. Could anyone advise me on:-

How to set up a charity fund.

Who I need to contact.

How do I avoid tax.

Can it be set up for just one person.

I have never done anything like this before and would appreciate any advice.

[FirstMove]

Get ye to this website:-
http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/

These types regulate all things charitable in the UK.

I don't think you can usually set up a charity for a single person. There's a new Charities Act about to pass into law, so I could be out of date.

[LMC]

I work for a small charity.

You can't register a charity for the benefit of just one person, FM is right on that one. It would be illegal to say that you are raising funds for charity if you are not registered as a charity. However, it is not illegal to fundraise for one person as long as you are very clear to donors that that is what you are doing.

There are nearly 200,000 registered charities in the UK. On top of that, you have people fundraising for individuals - usually sick children. Competition for funds is fierce - it may be for the benefit of other people, but it's still a jungle out there. Co-operation is the best route. If you're wanting to raise money for someone who's ill, then rather than fundraising for one person, I would strongly recommend getting in touch with a related charity - there almost certainly is one - and joining forces, or at least getting some advice from them on how best to go about your campaign.

Whatever you decide, if you jump in with both feet, then you will almost certainly end up very stressed and demoralised. I know you want to help - but don't do things the hard way - take time and you'll almost certainly have more success and will definitely have less stress.