Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Whatever you need to know, in this section you'll find useful information about fundraising for BBC Children in Need and about the charity itself.

• How much money did BBC Children in Need 2012 raise?

  BBC Children in Need 2012 raised £26,757,446 on the night thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Following the 2011 Appeal, the money raised from fundraisers, schools and businesses around the UK as well as donations that came in the months following the night meant we were able to award over £46 million to projects supporting children and young people.

• How does the charity cover its costs?

  We are in a privileged position because of the support provided by the BBC - which includes the production and broadcast of the BBC One telethon - and the generosity of donors, fundraisers, schools, businesses and our corporate partners. The charity does incur running costs but in previous years, these have been covered by our investment income and reserves of investment income from prior years. We also use our Gift Aid income to help fund our running costs.

  When we award funding to a project this may be for a period of up to three years. Giving a longer term grant ensures that the project can get well established and be in position to have a real impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. To ensure the project is well run we don't give all the funding upfront, but release the money in yearly instalments after receiving a report on the work that has been done to date. This means we have some funds on deposit in our bank awaiting distribution. This money earns investment income, as does the money in our reserves, and it is from this income and Gift Aid income that we will cover all our running costs this year.

• Where does the money go?

  BBC Children in Need gives grants to organisations in the UK working with children who have mental, physical or sensory disabilities; behavioural or psychological disorders; are living in poverty or situations of deprivation; or suffering through distress, abuse or neglect. The size and scale of The BBC Children in Need Appeal means that we're able to give grants to hundreds of different organisations, some of which are very small and don't have the resources to fundraise for themselves.

  The money you have raised so far has been distributed to many different organisations. Every year, thanks to public donations and the amazing efforts of fundraisers, schools, businesses and our corporate partners, we are able to provide support to thousands of youngsters aged 18 and under. Details of grants in your area.

• What should I do if I need to talk to someone?

  Please contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 - or visit their website at www.childline.org.uk

• How do you decide which projects to fund?

  Every year the funding requests exceed the amount of money raised but we carefully assess all applications to ensure that grants are targeted on areas of real need and funds are allocated geographically to ensure that all corners of the UK get a share of the money raised.

  The project being funded must fulfil the charity's mission statement, which is to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK, and grants are only awarded to properly constituted not-for-profit organisations working with children and young people aged 18 and under. All eligible applications are reviewed by freelance assessors who assess the structure of an organisation and the proposals for projects. Voluntary committee members, based in each region, then draw on their expertise and local knowledge to advise our board of Trustees which projects should receive grants.

• Why doesn't BBC Children in Need give money to projects overseas?

  All charities in the UK which are registered with the Charity Commission have a trust deed - a legal document which governs what they can and can't do. When the BBC Governors registered BBC Children in Need as a charity it was to support and help disadvantaged children and young people in the UK only. This still remains the case and money could only be sent overseas by changing the trust deed. It's also illegal to fundraise for one purpose and use the money for a different one - our fundraising clearly states the money raised is to help those aged 18 and under in the UK.

• Would my project working with disadvantaged children and young people qualify for a BBC Children in Need grant?

  BBC Children in Need distributes grants to voluntary organisations, community groups and registered charities which work with children and young people aged 18 and under living in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man. If you are unsure whether you would qualify for a grant please contact your local BBC Children in Need office. It may also be useful to look at the range of projects we've previously funded

• How do I get a grant application form?

  BBC Children in Need awards millions of pounds each year to organisations supporting disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. PLEASE NOTE: Next Grant Application deadline is Spring 2013 to allow us to make exciting changes to our grant making. Application forms will be available online from February 2013.

• Can grants be made to help individual children or young people?

  We recognise that some grants need to be made directly for the benefit of individual children and young people and in order to achieve this we have contracted The Frank Buttle Trust to deliver small grants for individuals on our behalf.

  Referring agencies wishing to apply for this funding can access the 'contact' section of The Frank Buttle Trust's website or telephone or email the Casework Manager at the appropriate office.

  England - tel 020 7828 7311; email: info@buttletrust.org

  Wales - tel/fax 01597 870 060; email: wales@buttletrust.org

  Northern Ireland - tel/fax 028 90 641 164; email: nireland@buttletrust.org

  Scotland - tel/fax 01505 850 437; email: scotland@buttletrust.org

• What can I do to fundraise for BBC Children in Need?

  You can still get a 2012 fundraising pack by ordering one here. We also have lots of inspiration for you online, and lots of downloadable toolkits to help you with your fundraising.

• Can I collect money door-to-door or in public places?

  We don't encourage fundraisers to collect money door-to-door, in the street or any other public place and are unable to supply tins or buckets. Public collections undertaken for, or on behalf of, charities in public places are regulated by law and require a licence from the relevant authorities. We would recommend that you arrange a fundraising event rather than a collection.

• Can I organise my own raffle?

  Under the terms of the Gambling Act 2005 a raffle is considered to be a lottery and must be run in accordance with the law. If you're planning on organising your own raffle, please check the rules on the Gambling Commission website.

• Can the BBC donate some prizes for a raffle I'm organising?

  Unfortunately we do not have the funds to supply raffle prizes. For every penny donated you give to the BBC Children in Need, a penny goes to projects working with disadvantaged children and young people, therefore we have to keep our running operating costs to a minimum.

• My company would like to get involved in fundraising. What do I need to do?

  If your company is interested in becoming a corporate partner please email us at pudsey@bbc.co.uk. Alternatively there are lots of ideas in our fundraising pack.

• Can my company sell items for the Appeal?

  Businesses are required by company law to have a written agreement with us if they plan to sell goods, services, or run promotions for the Appeal. Please contact pudsey@bbc.co.uk for details.

• How can my school get involved?

  Please check out the ideas for schools in our fundraising packs. We also have a dedicated school section online where teachers and students can download fundraising essentials and activity sheets.

• How can I make sure my activity is legal and safe?

  The Institute of Fundraising provide comprehensive guidance on issues such as fundraising laws, public events, fundraising with children, insurance and risk so please visit how2fundraise.org for advice.

• I'd like to release a song for the Appeal, what do I need to do?

  BBC Children in Need releases only one single for the Appeal and it is recorded by a well-known artist. If you would like to release something at a local level, please email pudsey@bbc.co.uk with all the details.

• Can you arrange for a celebrity to attend my fundraising event?

  Unfortunately we can't provide celebrities for events but, if he is available, Pudsey would love to make an appearance. Please contact your local BBC Children in Need office for details.

• Can I have a copy of the Pudsey logo to use in my fundraising events?

  Our logo is a trade mark and copyrighted by the BBC. Because of this anyone using the logo must have a formal licensing agreement. If you are organising an event and wish to show that you are supporting BBC Children in Need, you can download our supporter branding.

• How can I get media coverage of my event?

  The BBC has full editorial control over all its output, including the TV Appeal Show, so we cannot arrange for your event to be covered by the BBC. Please visit the BBC's Where I Live website for information on how to contact your local BBC stations. Local newspapers often like to feature fundraising stories, so do contact them to let them know the details of your event and any photo opportunities.

• How can I pay in fundraising money or make a donation?

  Please do not send cash by post but send a cheque, postal order or CAF voucher to: BBC Children in Need Appeal, PO Box 1000, London W12 7WJ. Alternatively you can use the BBC Children in Need paying-in slip included in your fundraising pack. Most banks, building societies and post offices will accept the money you have collected for BBC Children in Need for a month or two after the Appeal and HSBC will accept it all year round. You can also donate securely via this website, using a credit or debit card or your Paypal account, or call our donation line on 0345 7 33 22 33.

• I have a lot coins to pay in, what can I do with them?

  Banks prefer it when you sort your coins into separate plastic bags before you pay in your money. Alternatively you can use your nearest Coinstar machine during the months of November and December. To find your nearest machine call free on 0800 328 2274 or visit the coinstar website.

• How can I get a certificate for the money I've raised?

  To receive a your Thank You Certificate, send your original paying-in slip or your cheque with your name and address included, to BBC Children in Need, PO Box 1000, London W12 7WJ, or to your local BBC Children in Need office.

• How much does it cost to call the donation line?

  Calls to 03 numbers are charged at standard geographic rates from landlines and mobiles.

• What percentage of my donation will go towards helping children and young people?

  For every penny you give us, a penny will go towards projects helping disadvantaged children and young people here in the UK. We are able to make this promise because the charity uses its investment income and Gift Aid to cover all running costs.

• I want to make a complaint about BBC Children in Need.

  BBC Children in Need recognises the fact that receiving feedback from those it interacts with, both through compliments and complaints, is an important part developing as an organisation.

  To make a complaint, please read our Complaints Procedure document.

• What is Gift Aid and how does it mean more money for BBC Children in Need?

  If you're making a donation and you pay tax, or you're being sponsored and your sponsors pay tax, then it is possible the HM Revenue and Customs will give the charity an extra 25p for every pound raised. All you or your sponsors have to do is tell us if you've paid any tax this year that adds up to more than the extra money being claimed. So, doing a bit of maths, if £10 is given this means an extra £2.80 can be claimed if the person giving the money has paid tax of £2.80 or more. This is an easy way to get more money but your sponsors need to tick the red box on your sponsorship form. We will use your Gift Aid income, along with our investment income to help keep the charity running.

• I would like to include BBC Children in Need in my Will. What do I need to do?

  Throughout the year we receive donations in the form of legacies and we're incredibly grateful for these donations. If you would like to consider BBC Children in Need as a beneficiary in your Will, please contact your solicitor who will require the following details.

  The official name of the charity is:

  BBC Children in Need Appeal

  Our address is:

  BBC Children in Need Appeal

  PO Box 1000

  London W12 7WJ

  Our registered charity number in England and Wales: 802052, in Scotland: SC039557.

• When is the Appeal Show? Which stars are appearing on it?

  This year's BBC Children in Need Appeal Show is on Friday 15 November 2013 and will kick off at 7.00pm on BBC One.

  Details of which celebrities will be appearing during the Appeal Show will be revealed closer to the big night, but keep an eye on the News Blog section of this website for all the latest announcements.

• Do Presenters receive a fee for presenting the BBC Children in Need Appeal?

  BBC Children in Need, the charity, has NEVER paid a fee to Presenters on the show. In the past, his presenting fee for the Appeal Show has come out of the BBC's programming budget, and not charity funds, because it was a TV production cost. However, Terry has said that he never sought a fee for presenting BBC Children in Need.

  Since the first telethon in 1980 Sir Terry has been very involved with BBC Children in Need behind the scenes - both as a high-profile ambassador and more recently as a Trustee. He makes regular, unpaid, appearances on behalf of the charity and, as a member of the board of Trustees, he is also directly involved in setting our strategy and in allocating funds to projects that aim to change children's lives. We are very grateful for his unfailing commitment and popularity which play a vital role in our fundraising efforts.

• Can I get tickets for the Appeal Night show?

  This year's Appeal show has passed. Please come back later for information on next year's Appeal show.

  It might also be worth bearing in mind that BBC Children in Need also holds local broadcasts around the country on Appeal Night, and depending on the size of the venue and the location in the UK you may have more chance of obtaining tickets for these events. We do not coordinate the attendance at these centrally, but you will be able find out details about these events and how to obtain tickets for them on your BBC local website to find yours! This information will become available as Appeal Night draws closer.