Guidance

Charity fundraising appeals for specific purposes

What to do if your charity does not raise enough money, raises more than you need, or circumstances change (sometimes called a ‘failed appeal’).

• From: The Charity Commission
• Published: 31 October 2022
• Last updated: 3 February 2026 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Charity fundraising appeals: using donations when you’ve raised more than you need

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Charity fundraising appeals: using donations when you have not raised enough money or you cannot achieve your appeal purpose

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Details

This guidance explains what trustees need to do:

• if you have achieved the purpose of your appeal and you have funds left over
• if you have not raised enough and/or circumstances change, which means you cannot achieve the purpose of your appeal

Read guidance about how to avoid being in this position, by giving thought to how you word your appeal.

Published 31 October 2022

Last updated 3 February 2026 + show all updates

1. 3 February 2026

   Appeal wording and record keeping guidance has been removed and added to Charity Fundraising (CC20) guidance.

2. 31 October 2022

   First published.