Giving

How can I check a breast cancer charity is genuine?

In brief

Look the charity up on the official register using its name and number: in England and Wales that is the Charity Commission register, with separate registers in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check what it spends money on and how to contact it. Be wary of pressure to give on the spot, unclear collection bags or requests for bank details.

By Kaiser Khan, Breast Cancer Charity · Updated

Quick facts

England and Wales
Charity Commission register
Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales: register of charities
Scotland
OSCR Scottish Charity Register
Source: OSCR: search the Scottish Charity Register
Northern Ireland
Charity Commission for Northern Ireland register
Source: Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: charity search
United States
IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search
Source: IRS: Tax Exempt Organization Search

Key takeaways

How do I check a charity on the register?

Search the official register by the charity’s name or number. In England and Wales, most charities with an income of £5,000 or more a year must register with the Charity Commission. The register shows what the charity is for and how it spends its money. Scotland (OSCR) and Northern Ireland (CCNI) have their own registers, and in the United States the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search lists tax-exempt charities.

You can also look for the Fundraising Badge, which shows an organisation has committed to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice.

Sources: GOV.UK and Charity Commission: Donate with Confidence; Charity Commission for England and Wales: register of charities; OSCR: search the Scottish Charity Register; Charity Commission for Northern Ireland: charity search; IRS: Tax Exempt Organization Search

How can I tell if a charity bag or collection is genuine?

  • The bag or leaflet should name the charity in full and give a way to check it, such as a registration number you can look up.
  • If a company is collecting and says a charity will benefit, it must state which charity and how much the charity will receive.
  • People collecting in the street or door to door should hold a licence from the local authority, or the Metropolitan Police in Greater London.
  • If you are unsure, contact the charity using details from the register, not from the bag.

Sources: Charities Act 1992, section 60 (legislation.gov.uk); GOV.UK and Charity Commission: Donate with Confidence

What warning signs should I look out for?

  • Pressure to give immediately. It is fine to say no and check first.
  • Emails or messages with links you did not ask for. Type the charity’s web address yourself.
  • Vague wording that suggests a charity without naming one.
  • Requests for bank or card details before you have checked who you are dealing with.

Source: GOV.UK and Charity Commission: Donate with Confidence

What should I do if I think an appeal is a scam?

Do not give any money or details. Report it to Report Fraud by phone or online, as the Donate with Confidence campaign advises, and tell the real charity if its name is being used.

Source: GOV.UK and Charity Commission: Donate with Confidence

Is Breast Cancer Charity registered?

Not yet, and we say so plainly. Breast Cancer Charity is a campaign of World Aid Network, whose Charity Commission registration is in progress (application 5290505), so Breast Cancer Charity is not yet a registered charity and does not yet carry the Fundraising Badge. World Aid Network is registered with the ICO (ZC156579). Our registration status page explains what this means for your gift.

Source: Breast Cancer Charity: registration status

Frequently asked questions

Do all charities have to register?
Not all. In England and Wales, most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must register with the Charity Commission. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules and registers.

Source: GOV.UK and Charity Commission: Donate with Confidence

What is the Fundraising Badge?
A mark showing that an organisation has committed to fundraise in line with the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice. You can check the regulator’s directory of organisations that have signed up.

Source: GOV.UK and Charity Commission: Donate with Confidence

Is a company number the same as a charity number?
No. A company number only shows that a business is registered at Companies House. A charity number can be checked on the charity register.
How do I check a breast cancer charity in the US?
Search the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for the organisation’s name. Many states also keep their own register of charities and fundraisers.

Source: IRS: Tax Exempt Organization Search

Sources and references

This page is general information, not medical advice. A GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our editorial policy.