Churches are being warned that tithing and in-service offerings constitute public fundraising activities and are covered by the new Code of Fundraising Practice, meaning that appropriate safeguards should be implemented.
This also applies to other forms of collections, appeals and legacies.
It follows findings by the Fundraising Regulator (FR) that a church in London breached the fundraising code following a large donation made by a vulnerable donor. In February 2026, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) was found to have breached the code by failing to take into account the needs of the vulnerable church member who had made the large donation.
Card payment terminal for donations in a church (photo: iStock)
The regulator has also found that many faith-based charities failed to realise that fundraising carried out as part of worship, volunteering, or community life constituted charitable fundraising – and did not know they need to comply with the fundraising code.
The code applies to any request where the charitable gift is “freely given and nothing is received in return – regardless of the terminology or setting”. Nikki Renken, the FR’s Head of Casework, issued the guidance on the regulator’s website.
She said: “Giving may take place during services, in small groups, or alongside volunteering and pastoral activity. In these settings, fundraising may not be clearly separated from worship, community life or pastoral care; leaders may be highly trusted; [and] requests may be made during visits to homes.”
But she added that while not “inherently problematic” it increases the importance of recognising fundraising activities and applying appropriate safeguards.
The new Code of Fundraising Practice came into effect on 1 November 2025. It applies to all charities, voluntary organisations, and third-party fundraisers, focusing on protecting donors – particularly those in vulnerable circumstances – but also strengthening protections for fundraiser safety. It can be read here.
