Introduction to Charity Membership

Fundraising is needed now more than ever.

The Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA ) exist to build public trust and confidence in members' fundraising activities, ensuring that every interaction a charity has through face-to-face fundraising with potential donors is compliant with best-practice standards and supports the sustainability of the industry.

For over 15 years, charity members have been committed to honest and ethical fundraising and the continuous improvement of professional standards and best practice in fundraising. This is shown in their annual accreditation that is designed to verify members compliance and adherence to the PFRA professional standards for face-to-face fundraising.

All charities and marketing agencies conducting face-to-face fundraising in New Zealand should be members of the PFRA.

Impact of face-to-fundraising for Charities programmes

$56M

Received by charities via face-to-face fundraising in 2022.

50K

New Zealanders signed up to regularly support a charity in 2022

720K

People have signed up over the last 10 years

$575M

Raised for Charities over past 10 years

What is face-to-face fundraising?
A personal approach to fundraising

Face-to-face fundraising provides individuals with a trusted way to contribute financially to New Zealand charities, allowing them to carry out vital services for local communities across New Zealand and the world while working to solve some of the greatest social, environmental, and global issues.

Face-to-face fundraising is one of the most personal forms of fundraising and is when a fundraiser talks directly to a member of the public either in street, at the front door on in a shopping centre about becoming a regular donator to the charity.

Face-to-face fundraisers inspire the public and enable them to make a real difference in the world.

Why face-to-face fundraising?
Helping your charity do more good

Face-to-face fundraising provides Charities with significant funding allowing them to carry out vital services for local communities across New Zealand and the world.

Face-to-face fundraising is one of the most cost-effective ways for charities to raise ongoing funds.

It is one of the most effective ways to increase awareness about your charities work and raise much-needed funds for your programmes and beneficiaries. It's also a great way of letting the public know about what you're doing and how they can help. 

Many of the donors who sign up to support a charity go on to support for years, helping to transform communities at home and around the world.

Face-to-face fundraising provides charities with the certainty of funding and enables them to carry out vital services for local communities across New Zealand and to work to solve some of the greatest global issues.

Benefits of face-to-face fundraising for IHC

When times are tough they are toughest on the most vulnerable and that’s why IHC is proud to ask for donations to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Face-to-face fundraising is a cost-effective way to find new supporters, if it wasn’t IHC wouldn’t be doing it.

IHC is an active member of the PFRA and has been from the beginning.

Having an organisation that guides and helps ensure strong self-regulation and required practices is vital. PFRA’s work to ensure Covid-Safe fundraising practices are set in place and enforced across NZ is one example of why the organisation is so important to our sector.

Greg Millar, National Manager of Fundraising - IHC

Our approach to regulation

In our approach to regulation we collaborate with members, local councils, business associations and government. We do this to protect the long term sustainability of public fundraising.

Regulate Face-to-Face Fundraising Set professional standards We set the Code of Conduct for Face to Face Fundraising and Charity Street Trading that members adhere to. Inform & educate We collaborate with industry experts to deliver fit-for-purpose resources that create sustainable fundraising outcomes, providing public with trust and confidence in charity fundraising.  Member accreditation We check members adherence to the Code of Conduct and that industry best practice standards are demonstrated in both policy 
and practice. Monitor & promote compliance We monitor and promote high standards of fundraiser compliance to the Code of Conduct, and ensure fundraising sites are fairly rosters and rested. Inquire & investigate We thoroughly investigate and manage complaints from public, 
site managers, members, and fundraisers through our 
complaints process. Accountability We hold members accountable for breaches to the Code of Conduct by issuing fines, penalties, and de-registration for serious misconduct. Set the professional standards Make sure guidelines are followed for Face-to-Face Fundraising and Charity Street Trading Codes of Conduct and rule books. Inform & educate We collaborate with industry expertise to deliver fit-for-purpose and accessible resources that strengthen fundraising programmes and provide the public with trust & confidence in charity fundraising. Member accreditation Demonstrates members adherence to the Code of Conduct and industry best practice standards and provides evidence of how polices are used in practice. Monitor & promote compliance Ensure sites are fairly rostered and rested through location management. High standards of fundraiser compliance to the Code of Conduct. Inquire & investigate Thoroughly investigate and manage complaints from public, site managers, members, and fundraisers. Accountability Hold members accountable for misconduct and breaches by issuing fines, penalties, and de-registration for serious misconduct. Regulate Face-to-Face Fundraising

Charity FAQs

  • Why do charities do face-to-face fundraising?

    Face to face fundraising is one of the most cost-effective ways that charities can gain substantial support for the important work they do. 

  • What is face-to-face fundraising?

    Face-to-face fundraising is when a fundraiser talks directly to a member of the public either in the street, at the front door on in a shopping centre about becoming a regular donator to the charity.

  • What is a Regular Donation?

    A regular donation is a gift you give to a charity either monthly or every four weeks. The amount of your regular donation is up to you, and the gift is set up as a direct debit/ credit card payment from your bank account.

Interested in becoming a member?

To become a member of the PFRA, charities must agree to abide by and uphold the terms and conditions of the Constitution, Membership Agreement, and Code of Conduct. 

And do so in accordance with best practice and excellent professional standards, and in a manner that will enhance public trust and confidence in New Zealand charities and be conducive to the long-term sustainability of face-to-face fundraising in New Zealand.

Our members

39 charities and suppliers operate within the PFRA. Any organisation conducting face-to-face fundraising in New Zealand should be a member of the PFRA.

Learn more about Our members
28 charities
Amnesty International NZ logo
Barnardos logo
Blind Low Vision NZ logo
Breast Cancer Foundation logo
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa logo
Cancer Society logo
CCS Disability Action logo
Family for Every Child logo
Forest & Bird logo
Hato Hone St John logo
Heart Foundation logo
IHC logo
Make-A-Wish logo
Médecins Sans Frontières logo
Mental Health Foundation logo
New Zealand for UNHCR logo
New Zealand Red Cross logo
Oxfam Aotearoa logo
Presbyterian Support Upper South Island logo
Save the Children logo
SPCA logo
Starship Foundation logo
Surf Life Saving New Zealand logo
The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ logo
Unicef Aotearoa logo
Wellington Hospital Foundation logo
World Animal Protection logo
World Vision logo
17 agencies
Aida For Good logo
Community Solutions logo
Core Fundraising logo
Cornucopia Fundraising logo
Cornucopia PO logo
First Purpose logo
Fundamental Worldwide logo
GIG logo
Mindset Marketing logo
Mondial Fundraising logo
Public Outreach logo
Raisers Hub logo
Surge Direct logo
The Fundraising Company logo
Think Marketing logo
Unity4 logo
Xplore Services logo