The Fundraising Regulator has found St Thomas Mar Thoma Church in Bristol in violation of the Code of Fundraising Practice during its Agape Project to collect £150,000 for acquiring a new building.

According to Third Sector, the Agape Project, which was launched in Launched in August 2021, involved selling the existing vicarage, clearing the church's mortgage, and purchasing a site with improved facilities.

The church aimed to secure the new building within 100 days but surpassed this timeframe, though it eventually made a successful purchase.

An anonymous complaint claimed that the acquired property did not meet the charity's needs and suggested refunds for donors due to unmet campaign objectives. The regulator identified a lapse in informing donors about alternative plans for the funds if the project's goals were unmet.

While certain campaign specifics, like timing and funding targets, were not achieved, the regulator acknowledged that the church ultimately fulfilled its main objective of acquiring a new building. However, it recommended clearer communication about property requirements in future campaigns.

The investigation also explored complaint handling and allegations of pressured fundraising, though insufficient evidence was found on the latter. The regulator advised that future fundraising should include a comprehensive review of policies and practices to align with fundraising codes.

St Thomas Mar Thoma Church agreed with the findings and is set to update its members on implementing the recommended changes.