Today (17 October 2024) the Charity Commission for England and
Wales and the Fundraising Regulator have published advice on how
people can help civilians impacted by the ongoing conflict in the
Middle East.
The advice comes as the Disasters
Emergency Committee (DEC) launches a humanitarian appeal
to help civilians affected by humanitarian crises in Gaza and
Lebanon caused by conflict.
DEC brings together 15 leading registered UK aid charities to
raise funds quickly and efficiently in times of crisis overseas.
The appeal will fund the distribution of emergency items such as
mattresses, blankets, tents, food and water to those in need of
basic humanitarian relief in the region.
The government has pledged to match donations received by the DEC
appeal, up to £10million, which will make the public's generosity
go up to twice as far to help those in need.
Many people in the UK will separately be wishing to support
charities operating in or supporting those across communities
impacted by recent events in Israel. Checking charity registers
before donating will ensure that support reaches its intended
cause.
By supporting existing, registered charities, including through
the DEC, people can be assured that they are giving
safely.
David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity
Commission said:
As we've watched the appalling humanitarian crisis unfold in the
Middle East, many of us will be asking how best to help the
millions of people in need of basic aid.
Registered charities with experience working in incredibly
complex and dangerous circumstances, across and within borders,
are the best organisations to support financially to ensure
donations reach civilians in need.
That's why we're reminding people to give with confidence through
registered charities, including the appeal launched by the
Disasters Emergency Committee.
Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising
Regulator said:
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East is devastating
for so many people. The generosity of the British public means
that many will be eager to support those affected in any way they
can.
Supporting registered charities, which have infrastructure
established within the region, ensures that your donations will
reach those who need it.
Steps to giving safely
People can give with confidence to relief efforts by following a
few simple steps:
- consider donating through the DEC's emergency appeal
- for those who choose to donate to other charities, the
charity regulator is reminding people to check charities are
registered and legitimate
- look out for the Fundraising Badge –
the logo that says ‘registered with Fundraising Regulator' –
and check the Fundraising
Regulator's Directory of organisations committed
to fundraise in line with its Code of Fundraising
Practice.
- contact a charity directly or find out more online about the
charity that you're seeking to donate to or work with to
understand how it is spending funds
- make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial
information
- be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links
within them
- check the charity's name and registration number on the
Charity Register – most
charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be
registered in England and Wales
ENDS Notes to
editors:
- Further tips on donating with confidence
to registered charities are available on GOV.UK
- The Charity Commission for
England and Wales is the independent, non-ministerial
government department that registers and regulates charities in
England and Wales. Its purpose is to ensure charity can thrive
and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and
strengthen society. It can be reached on
- There are separate registers for charities in England and
Wales, charities in
Scotland and charities
in Northern Ireland. Charities can be on more than one
register, reflecting the nations where they operate
- The Fundraising
Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable
fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Further guidance
on giving safely to charity is available on the
Fundraising Regulator's website. It can be reached
on FR@pagefield.co.uk
