Public back clampdown of charity marketing rules

Charity money collection boxesAny charity bosses hoping to get the sympathy vote from donors over tighter regulation of the sector better think again; three-quarters of the public back the clampdown, even if it means organisations bring in less money.
That is according to the Charity Awareness Monitor from nfpSynergy, which polls 1,000 people four times a year to find out how they view the sector. The latest survey, carried out in October, found that 67% thought that tighter regulation was needed, while 71% believed this, even if it meant that charities missed out on fundraising.
A similar survey of MPs came to the same conclusion. Out of 150 MPs, 66% agreed with the statement “I think we need tighter regulation of charity fundraising”.
Tim Harrison, director of tracking research at nfpSynergy, said in a statement: “Public trust in charities has fallen this year, and sadly we have only ourselves to blame. Charity fundraising teams must accept the new regulation is on its way and prepare to phase out particularly objectionable practices.”
He added: “It’s worrying to see that recent media coverage of fundraising scandals has had such a negative impact on how MPs see charities. It’s now clear that MPs from all parties are keen to respond to this by backing a crackdown on invasive fundraising practices.”

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