CHARITY FUND-RAISING AS BIG BUSINESS: MISGIVINGS?

Introduced by Justin Macmillan of Christian Aid, on 28 January 1999

This was a well-attended meeting with representatives from other charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Help the Aged.

The speaker concentrated on the major role being played by Christian Aid in the `Jubilee 2000' campaign for the cancellation of `unpayable' debts owed by the 40 or so poorest countries in the world. Much will depend on influencing the G8 nations' meetings and the policies of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. He asked all who shared their view to write to decision makers.

In general discussion it was agreed that although major charities combined for disaster relief they nearly all had important individual characters and links. They had different areas of support and dealt with different problems.

Although all charities watched the proportion of funds raised spent on administration, the meeting considered that efficient channelling of resources was always needed. The disappointment of Bob Geldorf with the effectiveness of Band Aid lay in the absence of an efficient organisation.

On fund-raising methods, the many mail- shots sent out was defended. If unwilling recipients asked for them to be stopped this happened. Charity shops continue to grow, with questions sometimes asked about their tax privileges, but the meeting approved of their work.

It was queried how effective was the work of the different major charities. Television always shows the tasks they face but rarely the results they achieve. Mr Macmillan assured the meeting that there was continuous monitoring of the success of their projects.

There were different views on the effect of the National Lottery on fund-raising. Some charities saw little change, others a significant drop. There was general dissatisfaction with the distribution of Lottery money where charities were concerned. Applications involved an excessive amount of work and could involve the employment of expensive consultants to advise on their completion. Obtaining Lottery funds was a lottery.

The Government was not particularly sympathetic towards charities: tax changes in the last budget had affected them adversely. Perhaps understandably, charity professionals regarded themselves as far more effective than politicians working in the same field.
There were far more aspects to the work of charities than could be dealt with in one discussion meeting. It is a subject to which we can usefully return.

Rodney Tye