BBC Charity Appeals - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

General FAQs

1. How do you choose the charities featured on BBC One's Lifeline programme and the Radio 4 Appeal?

Applications from UK registered charities for a broadcast appeal are assessed by the independent Charity Appeals Advisory Committee. Information and an Application Form for Radio 4 and BBC One Lifeline Appeals can be found here.

2. I would like to donate to the Radio 4 Appeal on a regular basis. Is there a convenient way of doing this?

You can donate to the Radio 4 Appeal Fund via cheque, credit card or standing order. (Microsoft Word document, 144kb).

3. I am organising a charity auction. Do you have any merchandise or objects you can donate?

We receive many requests for donation for auctions but unfortunately are rarely able to help. This is because there is no central way of doing this within the BBC – there isn't a store of objects associated with programmes and many objects are hired in on a temporary basis. Often Producers may only be attached to a programme whilst it is in production and may no longer be involved by the time it is broadcast. Many programmes are made by independent companies which are not part of the BBC.

4. Can you guarantee that my donation is used for the purpose set out in the appeal?

All featured charities have signed an agreement stating that all money received must be applied entirely to the purpose for which the appeal has been granted.

5. How can I donate to a charity that was featured in a BBC programme?

Sometimes there will be a link to the charity featured and other charities doing similar work on the programme's BBC website page. You could also contact BBC Information on 08700 100 222.

6. How do I contact the BBC's Appeals Unit?

The Appeals Unit can be contacted by emailing charityappeals@bbc.co.uk, or by writing to BBC Charity Appeals Office, Room 5126, White City, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS. The telephone number is 020 8008 1198.

FAQs for charities

1. How can I get a Radio 4 or Lifeline appeal?

Download the application form and supporting material.

2. How do you choose the charities that are featured on Lifeline or the Radio 4 Appeal?

Applications for appeals from charities are assessed and chosen by a panel of independent experts with knowledge of the voluntary sector.

3. How much does it cost to have an appeal?

The production and transmission of the appeal are free or charge. The celebrities involved give their time for free.

4. We are a small charity. What are the implications if we are recommended for an appeal and how much staff time do we need to allocate for this?

You will need to ensure that you have enough staff to respond to and acknowledge donations and queries resulting from the broadcast. You will also need to spend several days preparing for the broadcast and working with the Producer on the script. In general, the production of a Television Appeal will take up significantly more time than preparing for a Radio Appeal, so we recommend that smaller charities apply for a Radio Appeal only.

5. How long does it take from application deadline to transmission of an appeal?

If your application for an Appeal is successful, it will usually take between 9 and 12 months before the Appeal is broadcast.

6. Can we request a specific transmission date?

The allocation of transmission slots is entirely at the discretion of the BBC. However if your charity has a special event or anniversary please specify this in your application and we will do our best to accommodate you. You will also need to apply in plenty of time for your application to be processed. (see 5).

7. If we are successful in getting an Appeal, do we have to find our own presenter?

Yes but please speak to the Producer before approaching your intended speaker.

8. We don't have any links with celebrities. How do we find one who can present our appeal?

The Producer can give you advice and ideas and provide you with agents' contact details.

9. Will we need to write our own script?

You will need to write your own script for the Radio 4 Appeal with help from the Producer. For the Lifeline Appeal, the Producer will write the script but will liaise throughout and check facts with the charity.

10. How much can we expect to raise from an appeal?

You can expect to raise awareness of your cause and the profile of your charity. When it comes to financial expectations it is very difficult to predict as there are too many variables. The choice of speaker, your other fundraising efforts, the subject of your appeal will all have an impact. However, you can see what other charities have raised (link to money raised R4 and Lifeline section)

11. What else can I expect from a BBC Appeal?

The feedback we receive from charities who have had an appeal frequently mention that a lot of people have requested more information about the charity or signed up for regular direct debit donations. For some charities a BBC appeal gave them the opportunity to form a closer long term relationship with the celebrity presenting their appeal, not to mention the sense of pride and motivation supporters and staff feel when they see or hear their charity being featured on television and radio.

12. How soon can I apply again?

If your application has been successful you can apply again three years after the transmission of your appeal. If your application was unsuccessful you may apply again in two years' time.

13. What's the best advice you can give me?

Start listening to the Radio 4 Appeal and BBC One's Lifeline programme so you can think what type of Appeal would make listeners and viewers really want to give to your charity.