Background
At a BfN charity strategy day in April 2018, the idea of BfN registering with one of the online cashback sites as an easy way to raise funds to support the work of the charity was discussed. In the past we have avoided these schemes because they were relatively new and untested by charities and also because we were unsure about how we could ensure compliance with our Code of Conduct. We have now explored this idea further and had feedback from Easy Fundraising – the platform that handles the donations – about how it works.
Given our improved understanding of the scheme and some early testing we would like to undertake a 12 month pilot registration with the online cashback scheme Easy Fundraising to see if this is a helpful and effective way to raise funds for BfN. As this is a new thing for BfN we anticipate that members and volunteers may have questions, so we have included some information below for you on how the scheme works.
What is Easy Fundraising and how does it work?
Easy Fundraising is a cashback site. It lists a huge number of online retailers who will donate a percentage of any sales made through the site to BfN. Once you are registered with Easy Fundraising and find your retailer, you will be re-directed to the retailer’s website where you will complete your purchase as normal. It won’t cost you a penny more to do this. Any donations will be automatically paid to the Breastfeeding Network.
What about companies that present a conflict of interest to BfN? Will BfN be affiliated with these companies?
Retailers will have no visibility of any donation being made to BfN. This means that no connection between BfN and the retailer will exist. Based on this information, we feel our independence will not be compromised.
What about our Code of Conduct?
Obviously it is very important to us that our independence is not compromised. So we ask anyone using Easy Fundraising for BfN to keep within our Code of Conduct https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/governance/ . This means participants in the scheme avoiding donating any funds to us that are linked to purchases of items listed in BfN’s Articles of Association, for example, baby bottles, sterilisers or formula (full list in footnote). It may not be completely possible to avoid inadvertent donations however it is likely to be a minimal risk.
What type of retailers are listed on the site?
There is a wide range of retailers listed on the site including; holiday, travel, takeaway food, hotels, insurance, mobile and broadband, entertainment, electricals, utilities and clothing companies.
How do I use it?
To help raise funds for BfN visit our Easy Fundraising page https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/thebreastfeedingnetwork/
You will need to register as a User if you do not already have an account. You will be asked which cause you would like to support and would select The Breastfeeding Network – UK. And that’s it. You would then search for the retailer you would like to purchase from and shop as normal. There is also an app available on the website which will make it easier if you do online shopping via your phone.
Anytime you want to buy or order anything online, check Easy Fundraising first to see if your retailer is listed.
The scheme will be evaluated in 12 months. We are keen to hear your feedback on ease of use or if you have any queries. Please do not hesitate to contact clare.farquhar@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.
Footnote
Breastmilk substitutes, feeding bottles, teats or dummies, feeding bras, breast pumps, nipple creams, food or drinks marketed as suitable for children under the age of 3, sterilisers, specialist breastfeeding clothing, medications and remedies commonly used by babies or new mums (e.g. colic or teething remedies), breast shells, nipple shields, breast pads, nipple soothers, breastmilk storage containers, pillows, slings, feeding chairs, items to soothe colicky or teething babies.