Organising cash collections

Whether you're organising a street collection or a private collection, we can help you get started with everything you need to know.

Street collections

Street collections, like bucket collections, can be a great way to raise money. Local authorities regulate this type of activity so you must apply for a permit from the council before doing a street collection.  

If you are considering organising a street collection, contact your local fundraising manager. They can check whether any other street collections are planned in the area and help you navigate any rules that apply. 

Local authority regulations for street collections

Local authorities regulate street collections so you must apply for a permit from the council before doing a street collection.  

In general most local councils will: 

• require a permit for every street collection you do 
• require you to apply at least one month in advance 
• expect you to adhere to the date and time granted in your permit, as well as any other conditions outlined in the permit 
• expect you to have sealed collection buckets and boxes 
• expect you to stand at the agreed collection point and not wander away 
• expect you to be at least 3 metres away from things including shop entrances, pedestrian crossings, cash point machines, station entrances, market stalls and street vendors
• expect that you have the permission of the land/lease owner if standing outside their premises 
• ask you to carry an authorised collector badge 
• ask you to carry written authorisation from the BHF 
• ask that you collect in a way that will not annoy the public, e.g. not shaking a tin,  blocking a path or walking out from your collection point 
• expect you to submit a return form to the council within a specified period.

Return forms for street collections

Your local council will provide you with a return form.

A return form goes back to your local authority and confirms that BHF received the money you collected. 

You must submit the return form otherwise a council may not consider future applications for a permit. These return forms vary from council to council but normally need to be signed by BHF to confirm that we have received the cash collected. You may also be asked to keep track of who collects the money on the day and return this list alongside your form. 

The council cannot permit anyone under the age of 16 to act as a collector.

Private venue collections

A collection that takes place on private property like a supermarket, shopping centre or sport ground does not require a permit, but you must secure permission from the venue manager. We recommend you contact any venue that you’d like to collect at and get a written agreement outlining the agreed dates and times.  

Please ask the store manager if there are any venue-specific rules.