The 2025 Code of Fundraising Practice: What churches and charities need to know

Fundraising is essential to most churches and charities across the UK. 

Whether it's enabling day-to-day ministry, supporting community outreach or running a campaign for a building project, effective fundraising that is full of integrity is essential. 

Although talking about and asking for money can be a tricky task, it is necessary to support our ministries and is a common topic in the Bible. Indeed, as Christians we can approach this area of fundraising distinctively, displaying Christian character as we engage with supporters and in the way that we engage with the regulator – being ‘subject to governing authorities’ as under God (Romans 13).

On 1 November 2025, the Fundraising Regulator introduced a new ‘Code of Fundraising Practice’ which applies to all fundraising by churches and charities. The changes in the code are intended to make it easier to use, be based on principles instead of rules and to reflect modern fundraising practices, including digital giving, online platforms and partnership models.

This blog outlines the key changes and what they mean for churches and charities, helping you stay aligned with best practice.

Key changes churches and charities should know

1. A principles-based framework

Gone are the exhaustive checklists. Instead, the code now encourages fundraisers to apply sound judgment guided by core principles. This means:

• greater flexibility in how rules are applied
• increased responsibility on organisations to interpret the code appropriately
• a need for strong internal culture, ethical awareness, and training

For churches and Christian charities, which are often strongly enabled by volunteers and community-led fundraising, this change means ensuring everyone understands the values behind their actions, not just the rules.

2. Clearer guidance on vulnerability and safeguarding

Section 5.2 of the new code introduces dedicated guidance on vulnerability, making it easier to identify and support individuals who may need extra care.

Churches and charities must:

• review and make necessary updates to safeguarding policies and training
• ensure frontline fundraisers and volunteers are briefed
• avoid intrusive or persistent behaviour, undue pressure or continuing engagement after a request to stop

This is particularly relevant for ministries working with older adults, people with disabilities or those in crisis, whether those people are potential givers or those the charity serves.

3. Trustee responsibilities and governance

The code now places explicit responsibilities on trustees to oversee fundraising practices. This includes:

• making decisions about accepting or refusing donations
• conducting risk assessments
• supporting a compliant and ethical fundraising culture

Church councils and charity boards should ensure fundraising oversight is a regular item on meeting agendas, and that trustees are trained and informed about their duties.

4. Oversight of fundraising partners

Whether you're working with a third-party fundraiser, a corporate sponsor or an online platform, the new code demands:

• due diligence before entering contracts
• written agreements formalising relationships
• ongoing monitoring and record-keeping

This is especially important when using platforms like JustGiving or engaging in door-to-door fundraising.

For those of our partners using Stewardship fundraising platforms, you can have confidence that we are committed to following best practice and ensuring those using our fundraising platforms do so too.

In line with this we are registered with the Fundraising Regulator. For more information about our fundraising tools, visit Fundraising for churches and charities.

5. Fundraiser protection

For the first time, the code includes a duty to protect fundraisers – paid or volunteer – from harm, harassment or unsafe conditions. Churches and charities must:

• establish clear reporting channels
• ensure safe working environments
• document and respond to any incidents appropriately

This is vital for charities relying on volunteers, especially in public-facing roles like street collections or event fundraising.

6. Transparency and engagement with the Regulator

The new code makes it clear that obstructing or misleading the Fundraising Regulator during an enquiry is a breach. Charities must:

• maintain accurate records of fundraising activities
• respond constructively to complaints
• ensure openness and accountability at all levels

Churches and charities should review how they handle complaints and ensure they have a clear process for engaging with regulators.

7. Digital giving and online fundraising

The new code introduces clearer requirements around digital giving, including:

• transparency in how donations are processed
• ethical use of fundraising platforms
• protection of donor data (though data protection itself is now signposted to the ICO)

Churches increasingly use websites, social media and online giving platforms for donations. These must now meet the same standards as traditional methods.

The new code also noted the risks associated with using QR codes to direct supporters towards digital platforms. QR codes are a convenient way to connect physical resources such as signs or printed materials to the digital world, but extra care must be taken to prevent fraudulent activity. Read more on our blog about using QR codes in churches and charities.

What to do now

This is an important time to review and update your church or charity’s policies and practices to ensure that they align with the new code and are fit for purpose. In particular, pay attention to safeguarding and complaints policies and ensure contracts with third parties comply. As the guidance directs, these decisions and the reasons for them should be documented.

Training for staff, volunteers and trustees should also be reviewed to ensure that all are aware of and understand the requirements of the code. In particular, this is an opportunity to help those involved in fundraising to do so in line with gospel motivations and as ambassadors for Christ, with integrity and care for each individual.

We advise reading the support guides that the Fundraising Regulator has also published (these are advisory and not legally binding) to help fundraisers meet the code in particular areas; these currently cover:

• Documenting your fundraising decisions
• Due diligence and fundraising
• Monitoring your fundraising partners.

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