Types of bucket collections

It's important to know what type of collection you're doing first, there are two types:

• Street collections –where you are raising money on the street or in a public space.
• Private collections – where you are raising money on private property e.g. supermarkets, shopping centres or a train station.

Top tips for organising a bucket collection

Get in touch

Fill in our fundraising registration form to let us know you would like to organise a bucket collection for us. We’ll also send you a fundraising pack as well as the materials you need for your collection (buckets and t-shirts).

Get permission

For street collections:

You must obtain a licence from the local council. A street licence must be applied for by the first day of the month before the bucket collection is due to take place. They will probably need to know how many collectors you plan to have and may wish to see a risk assessment – after your collection, they will also want to know how much was raised. There may be specific limitations on what you can and cannot do when street collecting, such as:

• Each collector must be 25m apart.
• Collectors cannot walk up or down the street.
• You cannot have animals with you.
• You may not shake or rattle the collection buckets or tins.

For private collections:

You must ask the company/owners directly for permission. The best person to approach is often the Manager or ‘Charity Champion’. You might be asked to complete a form providing information about the charity and your collection.

Our registered charity number is 1161828 in England and Wales which you may need for any forms you complete.

Get family and friends involved

Recruit family, friends and colleagues to be bucket collectors, although they must all be aged 18 or over.

The day itself

Plan in advance where you would like your bucket collectors to stand and create a rota for them to make sure you have everywhere covered. Ensure all collectors have a copy of the permit and authority letter at all times.

Using your risk assessment, consider how you will manage the money raised, including counting, banking and sending to SRUK. For safety reasons, after your collection avoid public transport where possible when carrying large volumes of cash. If you need to catch a bus, train or tube home make sure you travel in pairs.

Remember you’re acting as a face for SRUK so please be nice to everyone who passes you – regardless of whether they donate or not. Most importantly, enjoy yourself!

Paying-in your fundraising

Once you’re home or in a secure location, ensure there are at least two people present to count the money.

To pay in, you can send your money by bank transfer, pay in online or over the phone. Call us on 020 3239 6967 for more details or visit our pay in information page.