CPA and Compliance Information

A Commercial Participation Agreement (CPA) is a key part of sales‑linked fundraising and ensures that both the charity and the business are protected, compliant, and aligned with UK charity law. This page explains what a CPA is, why it’s required, and how businesses should promote their sales giving in a compliant way.

What is a CPA?
A Commercial Participation Agreement is the formal agreement between a business and a charity that sets out how the business will make donations through sales giving.

Work for Good provides a digital Commercial Participation Agreement (CPA) framework, aligned with UK charity law, so charities and businesses can create compliant agreements quickly and easily.

Why CPAs are required
CPAs are a legal requirement for sales‑linked fundraising in the UK. They ensure:
• Transparency between the charity and the business
• Clear terms on how donations will be generated
• Protection for both parties
• Compliance with the Charities Act and Fundraising Regulator guidance

Without a CPA, sales‑linked fundraising falls outside charity law and may create risk for both the charity and the business.

What information a CPA needs to contain
A compliant CPA must include:
• The business name and contact details
• The charity name and registered details
• How donations will be generated (percentage, fixed amount, per product, etc.)
• The duration of the campaign
• When donations will be paid

Work for Good’s digital CPA automatically includes all required fields.

Short CPAs
Short CPAs are designed for simple, low‑risk campaigns and follow Fundraising Regulator guidance on payment regularity.

Businesses can set up short CPAs for:
• One‑off campaigns
• Seasonal promotions
• Limited product runs
• Small business fundraising

These agreements still meet all legal requirements but are quicker to complete.

Code of Fundraising Practice recommends short CPAs with regular giving to ensure the timely transfer of donations. This approach supports faster payments, clearer record-keeping, and alignment with the principles of accountability and openness.

Logo use and brand permissions
Businesses must not use your charity’s logo when promoting their sales giving.

They can use:
• The Work for Good logo
• Their own business branding
• Approved CPA wording

For full details, see:
• Work for Good FAQs https://workforgood.co.uk/faqs/#for-businesses
• Work for Good Terms & Conditions https://workforgood.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/for-businesses/

If the business still wants to use the charity logo, they need to submit in writing, evidence that they have a separate licensing agreement with you.

What businesses can and can’t say when promoting their sales giving
Businesses must clearly state:
• The CPA bespoke statement
• That donations are made through Work for Good

Businesses must not:
• Use charity logos
• Suggest endorsement or partnership beyond the CPA
• Use anything that is against WFG terms and conditions

Please note it is the charities responsibility to do their due diligence on their business partners to ensure CPA terms are met and alignment with your own terms.

Examples of compliant messaging
• “We’re supporting [Charity] by donating 10% of every sale through Work for Good.”
• “£2 from each product sold will be donated to [Charity] via Work for Good.”
• “This campaign supports [Charity]. Donations are processed through Work for Good.”

To see an example of a CPA bespoke statement click here -

Why donations should be made through Work for Good
It’s important to remind businesses that donations must be made through Work for Good to:
• Maintain CPA compliance
• Ensure donations are traceable
• Avoid additional fees or complications
• Ensure correct reconciliation for your charity

Direct payments made outside Work for Good fall outside the CPA and may cause compliance issues.