Face to face fundraising
Face-to-face fundraising gives people the opportunity to talk in person to one of our fundraisers and enables members of the public to find out more about macular disease and the Macular Society.
It’s essential that we continue to reach new supporters who can help fund more research to find a cure for macular disease, and support and provide information and advice for people living with macular disease.
Many charities use face-to-face fundraising; it is a successful method of fundraising.
General information
What is face-to-face fundraising?
Our professionally trained fundraisers talk to people at shopping centres, train stations, in the high street or at their front doors in selected areas across the country. They ask people to support us with a regular gift via direct debit or to sign up to a direct debit to play our weekly lottery.
How do I recognise a Macular Society fundraiser?
Our fundraisers wear an ID badge showing the fundraiser’s name, photo and ID number.
If you would like to check whether someone claiming to represent us is an authorised fundraiser, you can contact us on 01264 350 551 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, the fundraiser can give you a number you can call to check.
Where does Macular Society fundraise?
Our fundraisers visit train stations, shopping centres, shops and supermarkets across the south of England and Wales. The fundraisers work from a Macular Society stand and provide people with information about the charity, and ask people to support our vital work.
Our fundraisers also visit homes across the south of England and Wales to speak to people about our work and ask if they would like to support us.
About our fundraisers
Our fundraisers receive comprehensive training from the Macular Society. They are dedicated to raising money and awareness of our mission to Beat Macular Disease.
We want to ensure people have a positive experience when interacting with our fundraisers, and that they are friendly, professional and helpful.
We are members of the Institute of Fundraising (IoF), and follow guidance set by the Fundraising Regulator. All our fundraisers follow the IoF code of conduct. We also ‘mystery shop’ and carry out quality control to ensure that all our fundraisers meet the high standards that we expect from them.
About our agencies
We have chosen to work with trusted partner agencies to help deliver professional fundraising on our behalf. All fundraisers understand our purpose, and are trained to provide an excellent quality of service.
The agency we have chosen is an active member of the Institute of Fundraising. We have chosen to partner with them due to their experience in this method of fundraising, and they follow all relevant laws and codes of practice.
Face-to-Face Fundraising – Questions related to Coronavirus policies
Face-to-Face fundraising generates vital funds for us, whilst providing the opportunity for people whose livelihoods have been affected by the coronavirus to return to work. We have made some changes to our processes due to the risks associated with coronavirus.
What precautions will the Fundraisers be taking?
Fundraisers will adhere to officially recommended hygiene standards and wear barrier equipment. Our fundraisers will follow the latest government guidance and we will review the measures we are taking in line with changes to guidance.
How will we manage the risks associated with face-to-face fundraising during the pandemic?
Our priority is the safety and welfare of members of the public, our agency staff and our own staff. A risk assessment has been undertaken for all activities, to identify what measures we need to undertake to manage risks. We will update this on a regular basis as the guidance changes.
Why are the Macular Society currently fundraising in public spaces?
It is very important that we find more supporters to help Beat Macular Disease. Face-to-face fundraising allows members of the public to talk to a representative of the Macular Society about macular disease and our work. It is being undertaken safely and with adherence to recommended hygiene standards.
We are following guidance from the Fundraising Regulator, and our priority is the safety of our fundraisers and members of the public.
We are monitoring the areas we visit, as well as response and public perception.
Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or feedback.