# IoF updates guidance on fundraising with vulnerable donors

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/11/23/iof-updates-guidance-fundraising-vulnerable-donors/
- Published: 2016-11-23T08:30:33+00:00
- Author: Melanie May

**The [Institute of Fundraising](http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/) has
updated its guidance aimed at helping charities better support vulnerable donors,
in the run up to the busy festive season.**

The _[Treating Donors Fairly](http://www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk/library/treatingdonorsfairly/)_
guidance was launched at the annual IoF Individual Giving Conference on 21 November
and aims to assist fundraisers in recognising and responding appropriately to people
in vulnerable circumstances.

As well as being timed to help charities in the busy Christmas season, it has also
been issued in response to the changes made in the Code of Fundraising Practice 
earlier in the year, and the new requirements set out in the 2016 Charities Act 
that require charities to report on steps taken to protect vulnerable individuals
in their Annual Report.

## Advertisement

 [⌊Posthub advert. You create the campaign. We'll handle the postal journey. Get started at post-hub.co.uk.⌉](https://fundraising.co.uk/ads/posthub-20261007-300x250/)

It provides practical assistance in recognising people in vulnerable circumstances
and recommends appropriate ways in which fundraisers should respond.

The guidance covers mental capacity and vulnerability and how fundraisers can respond,
data protection and the recording of personal data, and a step-by-step guide to 
developing a fundraising policy.  Each section contains information on identifying
vulnerable circumstances in a way that fundraisers can relate to, and gives checklists,
examples, and practical tips aimed at helping both the fundraiser and senior charity
staff responsible for fundraising strategy.

IoF chief executive Peter Lewis, said:

“Fundraisers do an amazing job, especially during the festive season, raising millions
of pounds for good causes. They inevitably come into contact with people in vulnerable
circumstances and need support to be able to recognise these situations, and know
how to respond appropriately when they arise. This updated practical guide offers
precisely this support.”

 * **[Regular givers on the rise but recruitment via direct mail declining, report shows](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/12/05/regular-givers-rise-recruitment-via-direct-mail-declining/)**(
   5 December 2017)
 * **[Donor experience a focus for most but balancing income targets presents challenge, IoF report shows](https://fundraising.co.uk/2018/07/05/donor-experience-focus-most-balancing-income-targets-presents-challenge-iof-report/)**(
   5 July 2018)
 * **[Why ‘Asian’ and ‘Chinese’ tick-box categories don’t tell charities enough, says nfpResearch](https://fundraising.co.uk/2026/08/17/why-asian-and-chinese-tick-box-categories-dont-tell-charities-enough/)**(
   17 August 2026)

![Loading](https://fundraising.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/page-views-count/ajax-loader-
2x.gif)