Fundraising FAQs

We know that organising or taking part in a fundraiser can be a challenge. That’s why we have put together a short list of questions and answers to make sure that you have all the information you need to make your fundraising as successful as possible. If we haven’t answered your question, then please drop our Fundraising Team a line and we’ll do what we can to help: +44 (0) 131 662 2377 or fundraising-europe@mercycorps.org

What’s the best way I can help?

Monetary donations are the most effective way to provide assistance. Mercy Corps uses donations to purchase much needed items locally, which gives the local economy a boost, cuts down on high transportation costs and is the quickest way to bring aid to those who need it most.

How much of my money raised goes to programmes?

Over the last five years, Mercy Corps has used 86% of our resources for programmes that help people in need.

Where does Mercy Corps work?

Mercy Corps live and work in over 40 countries. We are a global team of circa 6,000, 85% of whom are local staff, bringing vital local insight and understanding to all our progammes. We have responded to almost every global emergency in the last 20 years providing almost £3 billion in humanitarian assistance.

Where is Mercy Corps located?

We have two headquarters: our European Headquarters are based in Edinburgh, Scotland and our Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. We also have offices in London, England and Geneva, Switzerland, in addition to the many field offices that support our programmes.

Does Mercy Corps only respond with aid for disasters?

Mercy Corps provides immediate relief after disasters, but our mission is to respond in ways that provide long term recovery opportunities. Our aim is to help people move from relief to recovery as quickly as possible through programmes that build resilience.

Is Mercy Corps religious?

Mercy Corps is a non-sectarian organisation.

How will Mercy Corps help me promote or publicise my fundraiser?

There are many ways that we can help you promote your fundraiser from helping you contact your local press, putting your event on our website and sharing across our social media channels. Please get in touch to see how we can best support your efforts.

Can a Mercy Corps representative come to my event?

We would love to come and be part of what you are doing! Mercy Corps’ European Headquarters are in Edinburgh and we have an office in London – let us know what you are doing and we will do our best!

Can I fundraise for something specific?

Mercy Corps work in over 40 countries across the world, please speak to us in advance of your fundraising if you have a specific geographical preference for where your money goes

Can I use your logo?

It’s so important that people know who you are fundraising for so we are happy for you to use our logo. However, we ask that you do not change it in any way and that you represent Mercy Corps in line with our mission. Commercial organisations are not permitted to use Mercy Corps’ logo without our prior written consent. Please read our Fundraising Guidelines and complete our Authority to Fundraise Form before proceeding.

My fundraiser has ended. Where and how do I send in my donations?

Thank you so much for fundraising for Mercy Corps! You can get your money to us by:

1. Calling +44 (0) 131 662 2377
2. Posting a cheque/postal order/CAF voucher to: Mercy Corps, 96/3 Commercial Quay Edinburgh EH6 6LX
3. Via our Online Donation Form
4. Emailing fundraising-europe@mercycorps.org for further help or information.

Can I claim Gift Aid on the funds I have raised?

Help us raise 25% more from your 100% effort! We can claim an extra 25% on your raised funds through Gift Aid! To claim Gift Aid on your fundraising, we must have the first name or initials, last name, full home address and postcode of each individual sponsor/donor. So please encourage them to tick the Gift Aid box on your sponsorship form.

To learn more about Gift Aid, click here.

Does Mercy Corps accept material gifts, such as blankets, toiletries and other non-monetary items?

Thank you for thinking of Mercy Corps. In general, we do not accept donated materials from the public, especially in times of emergency. This is because of our commitment to support and build local economies, the high cost, and difficulty of sorting, shipping, storing, and importing the goods.

What should I do if I don’t want to be contacted by Mercy Corps after I have finished fundraising?

You always have the option to opt out of our communications. Please just get in touch and let us know by calling +44 (0) 131 662 2377.