Crowdfunding is the use of a web-based platform to collect donations. The platform is generally managed by a third party provider and each individual fundraising campaign has a page on the site. Campaigns usually run for a set period of time. At the end of that time, the funds raised, minus a fee paid to the provider, are passed to the donee.
Transparency
You should ensure that it is clear on the crowdfunding web page who the money is being donated to and what the money is being donated for. For example, you should make clear whether the fund is being raised to meet your election expenses, for your campaign to be selected as a candidate, or whether this is to a local party fighting fund. This is because there are different recording and reporting thresholds for candidate and party donations.
You should ensure that the webpage contains information that explains that permissibility checks will be undertaken in compliance with the law and that information about donations, including donor details may be published. Returning Officers make returns prepared by candidates available for inspection after elections. These include details of donations.
We also recommend that you include an imprint on your crowdfunding page.