The Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator have published advice on how people and charities can help those impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The recent advice coincides with the launch of an emergency appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). It is hoped that the appeal will provide support to families experiencing the consequences of devastating conflict in the Middle East, in particular Gaza and Lebanon. The DEC is a registered charity that brings together 15 of the UK’s leading humanitarian agencies, including Oxfam, Save the Children and British Red Cross.

The appeal will fund the distribution of emergency items such as mattresses, blankets, tents, food and water to those in need of basic humanitarian relief in the region.

The UK government has pledged to match public donations received by the DEC appeal pound-for-pound, up to £10million.

We know that many people in the UK want to support charities operating in the Middle East to help civilians affected by ongoing conflict. Donating to the DEC, and other registered charities with the experience of working in incredibly complex and dangerous circumstances, across and within borders, is one way to ensure that support reaches its intended cause.

We also know that there will be many charities receiving donations for this purpose. It is vital that charities understand how they can support the supply of aid, or effectively run their own emergency appeal.

Setting up an appeal

Step 1: Can your charity, legally, respond?

This means checking your charity’s purposes (set out in the governing document) to ensure that these purposes encompass the appeal you are considering setting up.

The trustees must consider the effect any response would have on its charity generally, including its ability to continue to help any existing beneficiaries. Are your purposes restricted to a certain geographical area? Do your powers allow you to donate to or support other charities?

Step 2: Have a clear plan

Charity trustees will need to think very carefully about the wording of the appeal to cover all eventualities. What exactly will the funds be used for, and where will they be going? What will happen with any excess money or if the fundraising target is not reached? The charity must communicate the details of the appeal with the public, updating donors as to the progress of their efforts and status of the emergency – this includes specifying a financial target or end date for the appeal. Failure to do so may result in having to return the donations to the givers/donors.

Step 3 – Consider giving to an existing appeal

It is possible for an existing charity to pass raised funds onto another charity that has the capacity and experience to provide emergency relief, such as DEC. Trustees must carry out proper due diligence before working with other charities. At the very least, they should:

• Check to see whether the charity is registered with the Charity Commission
• Check to see if they are registered with the Fundraising Regulator
• Make sure the charity is genuine (not all registered charities are!) – contact them, check their online presence, verify trustee details and bank details
• Make sure that the charity understands that they can only spend the appeal funds in accordance with your directions

If you require further advice on charity fundraising or any other points raised in this article, please contact the Geldards’ Charities team.