The Institute of Fundraising has launched a new code on handling cash and other kinds of donations, which deals with new mechanisms such as giving at the till.

The Handling of Cash and Other Financial Donations Code of Fundraising Practice, launched today, replaces the old code which just dealt with cheques and cash. The  new code will apply to donations made tax-effectively, via direct debit and tills.

The Institute says that the Code is designed to protect against fraud and theft and to reassure donors that their gifts are safe with the charity.

Sarah Tirrell, policy and codes of practice manager at the Institute, said that the new code reflects changing  giving behaviour.

“As fundraisers we know that donations don’t begin and end with cash, although this remains an important means by which people give to charity,” she said.