Frequently asked questions
Got a question?
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.
The Charity:
- How much money did BBC Children in Need 2008 raise?
- How does the charity cover its costs?
- Where does the money go?
- How do you decide which projects to fund?
- Why doesn't BBC Children in Need give money to projects overseas?
- Would my project working with disadvantaged children and young people qualify for a BBC Children in Need grant?
- How do I get a grant application form?
- Can grants be made to help individual children or young people?
Fundraising:
- What can I do to fundraise for BBC Children in Need?
- Can I collect money door-to-door or in public places?
- Can I organise my own raffle?
- Can the BBC donate some prizes for a raffle I'm organising?
- My company would like to get involved in fundraising. What do I need to do?
- Can my company sell items for the Appeal?
- How can my school get involved?
- How can i make sure my activity is legal and safe?
- I'd like to release a song for the Appeal, what do I need to do?
- Can you arrange for a celebrity to attend my fundraising event?
- Can I have a copy of the Pudsey logo to use in my fundraising events?
- How can I get media coverage of my event?
- How can I pay in fundraising money or make a donation?
- I have a lot coins to pay in, what can I do with them?
- How can I get a certificate for the money I've raised?
Donating:
- How much does it cost to call the donation line?
- What percentage of my donation will go towards helping children and young people?
- What is Gift Aid and how does it mean more money for BBC Children in Need?
- I would like to include BBC Children in Need in my will? What do I need to do?
The Appeal Show:
- When is the Appeal Show?
- Who is appearing in this year's Appeal Show?
- Will Terry Wogan receive a fee for presenting this year's Appeal Show?
- Can I get tickets for the show?
- The answer to my question isn't here.
- How much money did BBC Children in Need 2008 raise?
The 2008 BBC Children in Need Appeal raised £37.8 million thanks to the generosity of our supporters all around the UK.
- 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. This year, we will also be using 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 raised by the 2008 Appeal has so far been distributed to over 700 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.
- 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?
We have four closing dates for applications a year:
15 January
15 April
15 July
15 October
You can apply online any time and all the information and materials you need, plus information about when we distribute funds throughout the year can be found in our Grants section.
- 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?
Our fundraising pack is now available online with event ideas, materials and advice on raising money for BBC Children in Need. We can post a fundraising pack to you, just email your name and address to pudsey@bbc.co.uk or call 0345 607 33 33. 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 can download lesson plans and assembly plans, and students can play our quizzes and games and learn all about BBC Children in Need.
- 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, and please keep us posted by filling in one of our forms online.
- 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 online on our website, use your Paypal account (email paypalpudsey@bbc.co.uk for more information), 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 UK standard geographic rates (as for 01 & 02 numbers) and calls may be included in your telecom provider's call package. Calls from mobiles may be higher
- 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 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.
- 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 28p 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?
This year's BBC Children in Need Appeal Show is on Friday 20 November 2009 and will kick off at 7.00pm on BBC One.
- Who is appearing in this year's Appeal Show?
Details will be revealed closer to the big night but keep an eye on the news section of this website or sign up to our newsletter and Pocket Pudsey for all the latest announcements.
- Did Terry Wogan receive a fee for presenting the BBC Children in Need Appeal?
BBC Children in Need, the charity, has never paid a fee to Terry Wogan. 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 and he made sure that he did not get one in 2007.
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 show?
Fundraisers can write in, along with details of their fundraising activities, to: Appeal Show Ticket Request, BBC Children in Need, PO Box 1000, London, W12 7WJ. You may be able to get involved in a local event on Friday 20 November. Please contact your local BBC Children in Need office or local BBC station to find out what's happening in your area.
- The answer to my question isn't here. How can I contact you?
Please email our Central Office team, or alternatively you can contact your local BBC Children in Need office.
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