Fundraising 'legal' question

donner_dub

If an event is run to fundraise money to purchase a particular item, does the item have to be purchased (by law). If the fundraising is going on a long time (over years) and it looks like it will take a long time to raise the purchase price can the money be put to another use for the same beneficiary? Even if anyone would have an idea of where to go to look into this issue. Thanks

Strawberry Fields

Depends, is this a valid charitable trust under the new act? If so a cy pres scheme may be applied to administer the funds as close as possible to the original purpose, if the trust fails a resulting trust may arise for the subscribers to the fund. Depends on what the facts are!

donner_dub

The money is being fundraised by the Parent's Council for a bus for the pupils. They would be affilated to the appropriate national council.

Strawberry Fields

You need to confirm this with a solicitor but as this is a charitable organisation and assuming the fund could be classed as a trust for the advancement of education a court could allow the funds to be applied in a manner as close as possible to the original purpose under a cy pres scheme.

However if charitable status does not apply there are regulations on fundraising contained in the charities act 2009. Maybe contact http://www.fundraisingireland.ie/about-us/what-we-do/ who seem to promote best practice in fundraising.

donner_dub

Thank you for this information. You are very helpful.