FAQs
There are a number of questions that we regularly get asked, please see the questions and answers below to see if they can help you.
If you are unable to find the information you need please do not hesitate in contacting us on 07812 493445/ 07870 856981 or send us an email Fundraising@bedsft.nhs.uk
Q Is Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust a registered charity?
A Yes. Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity is a Registered Charity, no. 1058704
Q Why does the hospital need to raise money?
A Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity raises to money to pay for things that are not covered by the NHS. These are things that enhance the patient environment or add value to the service that our hospitals provide. This money does not replace funding from the Government.
Q Do I need permission from Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity to fundraise on their behalf?
A Yes. You need to contact the team for permission. You will need to provide details of your fundraising event or activities (i.e. date, venue, contact information etc) using the Fundraising Registration Form. Once we have this information we will register your event/ activity, giving you permission to fundraise on our behalf. We will not issue your details to anyone else (unless you have specifically asked for us to promote your event to others that may be interested).
Q Am I allowed to do a Door to door or Street collection?
A No. Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity will not allow anyone to do a Door to Door collection. If you hear about a Door to Door collection, please report it to us on 07812 493445. If you would like to organise a street collection, you need a special permit from your local council. They are often difficult to obtain and need to be planned in advance. Before contacting the council, please contact us on 07812 493445.
Q Does Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity provide ID badges for fundraisers?
A Only if you are fundraising in one of our hospitals, or if you are assisting with one of our fundraising events.
Q How do I pay money to the Charity after the event?
A You can do this in a number of ways:
Cheques can be made payable to Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity and sent to our main office ( Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, LU4 0DZ). Please include a covering letter with your name and contact details so we know who raised the money and can send you a receipt.
- Online donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/ldhcf
- Set up your own online sponsorship page by visiting www.justgiving.com – your sponsors will be able to pay by debit or credit card and the money will go straight to the ward or department your fundraising for.
- Cash donations can be made if arranged in advance. Please call us on 07812 493445 (between 9am- 5pm Monday to Friday) to arrange a time to drop-off.
NB: If you would like your money to benefit a specific ward or department, please remember to specify this on the Donation Form.
Q Is my donation eligible for Gift Aid?
A Donations made by individual tax payers are eligible for Gift Aid. This means that Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity is able to claim back the tax you have already paid on your donation – making it worth an extra 25p per £1 to us at no extra cost to you! In order to claim Gift Aid we need your name and full address, including your post code. Gift Aid is not recoverable on company or group donations.
Q Will someone from the hospital come to my fundraising event?
A If we can! We get many requests to attend fundraising events and cheque presentations and we do our best to be at as many as possible. The more notice you can give us the more likely it is that someone will be able to attend.
Q How much help can you give to my event?
A We will try to give you as much help and information as possible, however, we are unable to sell tickets for your event from the hospital. When you complete the Registration Form please let us know if you will need anything. The more time we have to prepare for your event, the more we will be able to support you.
Q Does Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity have any collections boxes that I can borrow?
A Yes. We have collection boxes your more than welcome to borrow. Try and give us as much notice as possible so we can make sure we have enough for you. There are also balloons and leaflets available that you can use at your fundraising event.
Q How do I contact you?
A The best way to contact us is by:
Fundraising@bedsft.nhs.uk
07812 493445 ,07870 856981
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, LU4 0DZ
If you would like to meet with a member of the team please call us first.
Without imposing any trust we note that you may wish your donation to benefit a specific ward or departments. However, in the case that we are unable to meet this request, this donation may be used to purchase something of equal benefit for Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital.