:: What is face-to-face fundraising? ::

Face-to-face fundraising describes a direct communication between a fundraiser and a member of the public. This communication serves to educate the public about the work conducted by individual charities as well as enlist their support on a regular basis by asking them to sign a monthly standing order or direct debit form. Charities contract out this type of fundraising to Face2Face Fundraising, and we employ and manage the teams of fundraisers. The logistically complex nature of this type of fundraising makes it more cost effective for a charity to work with an agency in this way.

Face-to-face is generally associated with a direct communication that takes place on the street. However, this type of direct approach can lend itself to many other locations e.g. a workplace, on the doorstep, or at an event.

According to figures released by the PFRA (Public Fundraising Regulatory Association), in 2006, the British public pledged £240 million to charity as a result of face-to-face fundraising. Face-to-face is a valuable method of fundraising for charities because the regular monthly donations enable them to plan the work they do more effectively. In addition, a good face-to-face agency will guarantee the number of people they will be able to sign up to give regularly to the charity. Other forms of fundraising cannot offer this same guarantee.

While the average age of a donor on a charity database is approximately 55 years of age, the average age of a person who decides to give regularly during a face-to-face direct communication is 29 years. Communicating with this younger audience is vital for the long-term success of every charity’s work and at the present time, face-to-face fundraising is by far the most effective way of reaching them.

:: What is the PFRA? ::

The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA) was set up by over 60 charities and fundraising agencies, including ourselves. Its purpose is to create and maintain industry standards and a code of practice, in order to regulate the sector. The PFRA has a vital role to play in the future of face-to-face fundraising. As well as ensuring a high level of professionalism across the industry, it is also in a position to gather valuable information across all members’ activities, which will serve as vital research for all involved in the sector and the general public going forward. All our fundraisers are intensively trained and strictly adhere to the PFRA Code of Conduct.