Raise money for community emergencies
Use this guidance if you’re raising money for your community or for another community affected by an emergency.
Fundraising or applying for grants can be a quick and effective way to support your community’s emergency planning activity or people who’ve been affected.
Fundraising
You must follow the Code of Fundraising Practice if you are fundraising – for example, for a community group or charity.
This includes money raised through:
- cash collections
- online giving platforms
- charity events, such as dinners, quiz nights or sponsored activities
Get advice for setting up an online fundraising appeal on the Fundraising Regulator website.
Fundraising for larger emergencies
National charities may work together when an emergency affects many people. This helps get support where it’s needed most.
If many groups or organisations are responding to the same emergency, the National Emergencies Trust may also be able to help.
They can provide a national fundraising platform and help distribute the money raised.
Contact the National Emergencies Trust to find out if they can support your fundraising.
Donating money you raise
The most effective way to get help to people who need it is to donate money directly to a registered charity.
Donating money helps experienced charities get people what they need quickly.
It allows them to:
- get essential aid or assistance to people in crisis
- help people fleeing conflict
- support recovering local economies
- buy food and clothes as close as possible to where they are needed
Choose who to donate to
Research a charity before you give them money. Check where the money goes and how it will be used.
Donate money safely
Get information on donating online safely on the CyberScotland website.
If you are donating in another way, check how to donate safely on the Fundraising Regulator website.
Applying for grants or funding
There may be grants available to help your community prepare for an emergency.
Funders usually set criteria you must meet to get funding. This makes sure the money goes to people who need it most.
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) explains how to search for grants and who can apply.
Foundation Scotland advertises and runs a wide range of grants from public and private sources.
The Community Council also lists funding opportunities for community groups.