This is guidance setting out our policy, and the benefits of, working with our national face-to-face fundraising service at local events.
Distinct offer to our supporters
Face-to-face (F2F) fundraising is a separate activity from branch fundraising and is not intended to replace or compete with it. The main purpose of the programme is to recruit regular supporters through Direct Debit, with one-off donations available for those who prefer not to make an ongoing commitment.
We recognise the vital role branches play in their communities and the strong local relationships volunteers build. While branch community engagement activity is increasingly focused on raising awareness of SSAFA and recruiting volunteers, F2F fundraising helps secure the long-term financial support needed to continue our work. Together, these activities complement one another and help us reach more people in need of SSAFA's support.
What happens when a branch and F2F are at the same event?
The presence of both teams at an event does not create competing messages. Instead, it gives people different ways to support SSAFA and helps increase awareness of the charity and its work. Face-to-face fundraising plays an important role in our fundraising strategy, generating income that helps us support beneficiaries across the UK. Decisions about event attendance are therefore made with the charity's overall objectives in mind. At the same time, we are committed to working alongside community engagement volunteers and ensuring our presence adds value to local activity wherever possible.
Our face-to-face fundraisers are highly knowledgeable about SSAFA, its services and its impact. They receive extensive training and are experienced in engaging members of the public, answering questions and representing the charity professionally. Their role is to inspire support for SSAFA and help people understand the many ways they can contribute to our mission. Working alongside our employees and volunteers, they play an important part in raising awareness of SSAFA and securing support for the Armed Forces community.
Relationship building
Building positive relationships with branches and volunteers is an important part of our face-to-face fundraising programme. Where possible, we encourage local volunteers to join us at events, providing an opportunity to raise awareness of SSAFA, engage with the community and showcase the breadth of our work.
We share our F2F event calendar with your Community Engagement Manager (CEM) on a regular basis.
We also encourage branches to share details of events where they have established relationships with [email protected] and their Community Engagement Manager (CEM). This helps us coordinate activity, avoid duplication where appropriate and identify opportunities for the F2F team to support event delivery. Our aim is always to work collaboratively, strengthening SSAFA's presence and reach while respecting and supporting the excellent relationships that volunteers have built within their communities.
Supporting the national charity
The branch network plays a vital role in supporting their local communities while also helping to promote the work of SSAFA locally. Alongside community engagement and volunteer recruitment, branches should help raise awareness of the charity's national services and encourage people to engage with, support, and donate to, the national charity where appropriate.
We encourage you and your team to help potential beneficiaries, their families and advocates learn about services such as Forcesline, mentoring, VCJS , social care etc. ensuring more members of the Armed Forces community can access the support available to them.
If you or your branch have any questions, suggestions or concerns, please contact the Community Marketing team at [email protected]