There has been some confusion as to what WI funds may or may not be used for.

Any money raised by, or donated to, a WI belongs to the Charity and not to its members and as such may only be used to fund its own programme of events and to further the educational purposes of the WI.

The WI may also support local community projects, such as the upkeep of a village hall or making a donation to a local hospital or hospice, as these contribute to improving the quality of life within the local community.

WI funds, however, cannot be used to support a national charity or an international appeal, but there is nothing to prevent a group of WI members, acting as individuals, from organising fundraising events for this purpose.  This must be carried out on the basis that it is not done in the name of the WI, that there will be no cost to the WI, and that monies raised will not be paid into WI bank accounts.

Outings, dinners and parties cannot be financed from WI funds.  These should be paid for by the members participating in the event.  Similarly, collections for presentations, flowers or wreaths for individuals should not be made in the name of the WI, but paid for by individuals as friends, not from WI funds.

If a WI wishes to set up a separate bank account in order to pay for personal gifts or parties, this account must not include the name of the WI and no funds raised in the name of the WI should go into this account.