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The Fundraising Department receives many enquiries from Groups on a daily basis and ensures that each is dealt with on a one-to-one basis. However, many of the questions are of a similar nature, so we have put together 25 of the most frequently asked questions together with advice and details of where you can find out more information.

If you would like to contact us about any of these issues or have a different question, then please contact us on 020 8433 7231 or by e-mail fundraising@scout.org.uk.

1. We are a Scout Group but do not have a charity number. Should we have one?

   As a Scout Group recognised by The Scout Association you have 'charitable status'. This means that you can apply to Grant Making Trusts for grants or to the Inland Revenue for Gift Aid etc. In general terms you only need to register as a charity if you own or are renting land or buildings. The Fundraising Department has more details.

2. How can our Scout Group register as a charity?

   The Fundraising Department can give you more information if you need to register and there is a Charity Commission website - www.charity-commission.gov.uk. This area of charity law is currently under review and may change by the end of 2003 requiring fewer charities to register. The Fundraising pages will keep you updated on any changes.

3. We want to rebuild/extend our building. Can HQ lend us some money?

   HQ will lend Groups/Districts up to £50,000 over a maximum ten-year period at Barclays Bank base rate. Some conditions apply including submission of Group Accounts. These loans need to be agreed by the Finance Sub-Committee. Further details from the Fundraising Department.

4. We want to install IT equipment. Can HQ help us fund it?

   Loans to Groups are available for approved IT equipment. The maximum loan is normally £2,000, repayable over a four-year period and is interest free.

5. We want to run a raffle/tombola/racenight. Do we need a licence?

   You might; it depends on the type of raffle. For Scout Groups, these events fall broadly into three categories and are governed by the 1976 Lotteries Act.

   1. Small Lotteries e.g. a raffle held as incidental to a jumble sale, dinner dance etc
   2. Private Lotteries - these are generally confined to the members of a Group or Society. Tickets must be printed with details of promoter/s etc and only sold to Scout members.
   3. Societies' Lotteries - these are the larger fundraising lotteries. They will need a local authority licence and if very big may need Gaming Board registration. The promoter will need to complete a return after the lottery has been held and maximum levels of expenses are specified. Our Factsheet - FS190025 - gives full details.

   Any event you hold should not be seen to be encouraging the habit of gambling and must be approved by the Executive Committee (POR.)

6. If we run several raffles e.g. every quarter do we need to get a licence every time?

   If the raffles are broadly similar you may be able to get an annual licence from the local authority and pay only one fee. Enquire with your local authority.

7. We want to shake some collection tins in the High Street for Group funds. Is that ok?

   Probably not! Street and House to House collections are strictly controlled. See Factsheet - FS190020 - for more details.

8. What are the rules for '100/200' clubs?

   These are lotteries in a sequence which allow people to enter simultaneously. These can be treated as either 'Private' or 'Societies' Lotteries dependant upon circumstances. See Question 5.

9. Our local church wants to sponsor us. How do we go about it?

   It is important that both parties to the agreement know exactly what is expected of them and over what timescale. See Factsheet - FS320201 - for a draft agreement you can use.

10. As a Group we own our building but do not want to appoint local trustees because they are constantly changing. What can we do?

    The Scout Association Trust Corporation (SATC) may be able to help. SATC can act as a sole custodian trustee whilst leaving the day to day running in the hands of the Group. Other benefits include safe custody of title deeds, permanent trusteeship of property, legal advice on property matters etc. You can write to The Secretary SATC, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW or telephone 0845 300 1818.

11. I have heard of Groups fundraising with Christmas post. How does it work?

    In 1981 the Government relaxed the monopoly on the delivery of post allowing charities to carry out this function. It is ideally suited to villages or small towns but with careful planning can operate further afield perhaps with several Groups combining. Factsheet - FS190002 - gives further details.

12. Bag packing, what is it?

    Many supermarkets will allow Scouts to 'help' customers pack their shopping bags at the checkouts and carry them to their cars. For this they may receive a small donation into an approved collecting tin/bucket. Arrangements must be made through the local store manager who has the final decision. Insurance will normally be covered by existing arrangements but check with Scout Insurance Services (01903 768524) if you have any queries. Normal regulations with regard to street collections will apply.

13. Can we benefit from Landfill Tax Credits?

    Under the Act, landfill operators have to pay a tax for every load they place into a landfill site. A proportion of this tax is set aside to reinstate the site when the landfill is completed and to make grants to improve the environment. This can include Scout and other community buildings. To qualify you must be within a ten-mile radius of an existing or completed landfill site. There is a website - www.entrust.org.uk - which gives further details or telephone 0161 972 0044. The Fundraising Department can also help.

14. We are a Sea/Air Scout Group. Are there any funds to help us?

    Grants may be available from HQ for Air Scouts and Sea Scouts both RN Recognised and Non-Recognised Groups. Enquire initially to the Fundraising Department.

15. We are planning a camp this year. We have one or two children who would like to come but whose parents cannot afford the cost. Is there any help available?

    Small grants can be made to assist children to go to camp and towards the cost of buying uniform from the Scout Group Support Fund (Needy Groups). Initial enquiries to the Fundraising Department.

16. We want to install some facilities to aid wheelchair bound children. Can you help?

    The Treloar Fund can give grants of up to 50% of costs of conversion subject to some conditions. Enquiries should be directed to the Fundraising Department.

17. What is Gift Aid and where can I get further details on it?

    Gift Aid is a Government scheme which allows charities to reclaim tax on donations made by UK taxpayers. The Inland Revenue regards Membership Subscriptions as 'donations' and Groups or Districts can claim 28% of these fees. There is a complete Gift Aid pack on Factsheet - FS190006 - which includes a draft declaration form.

18. Is Gift Aid available on camp fees or Jamboree fees?

    Gift Aid is not available on camp or Jamboree fees because the amount of benefit derived by the 'donor' is regarded as too high to qualify for the scheme.

19. Why is Gift Aid calculated at 28% when there is not a tax band at this rate?

    Donations made to charities are made out of taxed income. It is therefore necessary to 'Gross up' the payment to return it to its pre tax basis. A 22% tax rate becomes 28% at a grossed up rate.

20. Can we get Gift Aid on Sponsored Walks/swims etc?

    You can, providing the 'donor/sponsor' is a UK taxpayer and can complete the appropriate declaration. This can be incorporated into the sponsor form - see Factsheet - FS190006.

21. Why does the Gift Aid declaration not need to be signed?

    The declaration can be completed electronically (e.g. by e-mail) or over the telephone. In these circumstances a confirmation needs to be sent to the 'donor' of the details which have been recorded. The donor will need to check and if necessary amend any of the information recorded.

22. We have just started a scheme can we claim for previous years?

    The Gift Aid Scheme, in its current form, started in April 2000. Back claims will be accepted for up to six years. It is therefore possible to back claim to April 2000 but appropriate declarations from parents must be completed.

23. As a higher rate taxpayer can I benefit from the payments I make to a charity?

    As a higher rate (40%) taxpayer you can normally 'claim back' the additional 18% tax on your self-assessment tax form. Visit the Inland Revenue website - www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk - for further details. From 2004, self-assessment tax forms will also include an option for taxpayers, who are due a tax repayment, to nominate a charity to receive all or part of the repayment. The Inland Revenue will make the donation direct to the charity. If you wish to nominate The Scout Association, our unique code is NAB16SG.

24. How can we get a copy of the constitution? (required for lottery applications).

    Applications to Grant making bodies sometimes ask for a copy of our constitution. In essence this is POR and our Charter document. However they do not want copies of these! A copy of Chapter 1 of POR (the purpose and method) which refers to the social, intellectual and spiritual development of children will normally suffice. The following wording is suggested.

    The Purpose of Scouting

    The purpose of Scouting is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national, and international communities.

    The Scout Method

    The Scout Method provides an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law, which is guided by adult leadership

25. Can our Group raise funds via the Internet? Please can you suggest a website that offers this?

    This is an extremely complex area and has many potential pitfalls. Firstly, all fundraising initiatives must be approved by the Executive Committee and comply with the section on fundraising in POR. Secondly, there are at least eight Acts of Parliament which need to be considered including: - The Computer Misuse Act 1990, Data Protection Act 1998, Consumer Protection (Contracts concluded By Means of Distance Communication), Regulations 2000, Broadcasting Act 1990 etc. Some of this legislation may be subject to amendment in Scotland and in Wales. Thirdly, you need to consider accessibility and whether those with special needs have been catered for. The Institute of Fundraising has a code of practice on the subject e-mail - info@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk. Other sources of information are Charities Aid Foundation - www.cafonline.org - and the Charity Commission - www.charity-commission.gov.uk. The Fundraising Department is also able to give advice.