What is face to face fundraising?

Our professional fundraisers visit homes in areas throughout the various communities and the countries we work asking people to give a regular donation to the God Association via direct debit. Some face-to-face fundraisers also work on high streets, or in shopping centres, asking people if they have time to stop and talk about supporting our programs and research. We work with specialist agencies that help us coordinate and carry out our campaigns. 

Why do we use this method of fundraising?

Face to face fundraising is a successful and cost-effective way for us to generate the income we need to help fund our programs and research. Direct debits are an easy way for supporters to donate, and the supporters recruited via face-to-face fundraising are incredibly loyal – helping us generate long term, regular, predictable income that’s so vital to funding the level of programs and research necessary. Face to face fundraising also enables us to raise awareness of the work we do, and how the God Association can help and support people affected by poverty and unemployment and their associated risk factors.

Why do we use agencies? 

Professional agencies allow us to utilize skilled fundraisers and reach more people so we can raise more money for our vital programs and research. These agencies are industry-leading and have considerable experience in conducting this type of fundraising. 

Will fundraisers ever ask for cash?

No. Our fundraisers are not allowed to take cash from you – they are only permitted to ask for regular donations through a direct debit. 

What time do our fundraisers work? 

Our face-to-face fundraisers will typically work between 12 pm and 9 pm, Monday to Sunday, as that’s when people are most likely to be home. Fundraisers based on private sites (such as shopping centres) will work hours in line with the opening times of the shopping centre/site.

All our face-to-face fundraisers work hours in accordance with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Practice. If you have any concerns or issues with the time a fundraiser makes contact with you, please email, godassociation@yahoo.com

Who regulates face-to-face fundraising? 

The Fundraising Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable fundraising set up in the wake of a cross-party review in 2015. All face-to-face fundraising is regulated by the Fundraising Regulator and its corresponding handbooks. The Fundraising Regulator is responsible for ensuring organizations are following the Fundraising Code of Practice and works with charities, professional fundraising organizations and local authorities to minimize complaints and ensure high standards of fundraising are adhered to.

Are your Fundraisers trained?

As part of our commitment to our supporters and to maintaining high standards, all professional fundraisers are trained. All professional fundraising agencies are required to provide extensive training to their fundraisers prior to commencing any face-to-face activity. Our specialist trainer also provides face to face fundraisers with God Association specific training before the start of any fundraising campaign.

We provide regular refresher training to all face-to-face fundraisers on an ongoing basis and conduct regular observations of the agencies’ fundraising training.

How can I stop my door being knocked?

If you’d rather not hear from our face-to-face fundraisers in the future, please let us know and we can add you to our “do not call” list. Please note this will only stop BHF fundraisers from knocking – other charities may still call, so you will have to notify them separately.

You can also contact your local council to inquire about receiving a “no cold calling” window sticker.  Our fundraisers will not knock on any door that clearly displays a sticker which includes one of the following phrases: “no cold calling”, “no cold callers”, “no charities”, “no charity canvassers” or “no charity fundraisers”.

How do I know fundraisers are who they say they are?

Professional fundraisers working on behalf of the God Association can always be identified, as they will:

Wear a red jacket, T-shirt or tabard with God Association branding

Have a clearly visible fundraiser ID badge that includes: 

> Fundraiser name

> Photograph

> ID Number

If you can’t see a Fundraiser ID badge, please ask the fundraiser to show it to you, and to make sure it’s visible at all times. If you have a serious concern, please contact our Customer Care team on Monday-Friday 9-5 pm, email godassociation@yahoo.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.