Irish Charity Shops Association

Become a Member

Benefits of Membership of the ICSA

The ICSA provides support and information for the Charity Shop Sector that is not available anywhere else.
So join us so that you can compete and grow your business for the future.
VISION 
 Our Association's vision is a thriving and diverse charity retail sector in Ireland, which supports both individual charities and the Association.
 MISSION
Our Association's mission is to provide leadership and support for charity retailing in Ireland.
VALUES
 Inclusive
We represent small and large charity retailers
We promote equal opportunities
Democratic
 All our activities are approved by the members
Everyone has a voice
Each charity has an equal voice irrespective of size
Practical - we provide networking opportunities for our members through:
Meetings
Workshops
Website
Credible
 Representative of the sector
Experts in our field
Standard setting
Trustworthy
 Act in the interest of the whole membership
Value for money 
Keep members informed of new legislation

What we do

The Code of Charity Retailing developed by members for members, who are all signed up to the Code. It is a condition of membership that all new members sign up to the Code of Charity Retailing. Click here for more information and the full text of the Code.
The aims of the Code are:

  • To promote good practice and high standards in charity retailing
  • To promote public confidence in, and support for, charity shops
  • To increase donations to charity shops, both directly into shops and through house-to-house collections.
  • To get positive publicity for charity shops
  • To promote awareness of legitimate charity shops and to help stamp out dishonest and bogus activities

Media coverage, public awareness and lobbying
 We are now recognised by the media as the umbrella group for charity shops.
In 2011 there were 53 pieces of coverage for the ICSA:

  • 32 interviews to the print media
  • 19 radio interviews
  • 2 TV pieces

One key piece was on €10M in lost revenue to charities as a result in the downturn in donations. In August the Examiner picked this up and it generated huge media interest on radio, TV and print media.
We have launched the On-line reporting tool to enable members of the public to send us details of any suspected bogus activity. This is supported by the Gardai.
We are actively lobbying the Department of Justice in relation to the issues facing the operation of charity shops, particularly bogus charity shops. We have been part of the consultation process for the implementation of the Charities Act 2009 and have made a submission on behalf of members.

Member Services

We provide practical help on how to run your shop through the website and the Secretary is available to provide information and resources.
Talking Shop - networking
 We hold informal members meetings where you can meet people from other charities over a cup of coffee and there is plenty of opportunity for open discussion. There is usually an outside speaker on a relevant topic e.g. social media and charity shops, security etc. The meetings are an excellent forum for members to express their views and get involved.
Training and Development for your shops
 We run regular workshops on issues that face charity shops (Health and Safety and Security) or subjects that help to sell more goods (PAT testing machines to sell electrical goods, Antiques/Collectables training). 
Benchmarking Survey
 The annual Benchmarking survey is now online and we are currently collating the information for 2011. This survey provides an industry norm against which individual charities can measure their own performance.
Website www.icsa.ie
 Our website is a channel for members of the public to find out about charity shops, where to donate and where to buy. Put your shop information up on the website.
Website statistics for 2012

  • 29,500 visitors
  • Over 110,000 pages viewed
  • 80% of page views on shop information

There is also a members' area where all information about the ICSA and members' activities can be found and information downloaded.
Membership fee
 The fee depends on how many shops you have.
1 shop - €150 per year
2-5 shops - €125 per shop per year
6-10 shops €110 per shop per year
11-24 shops €100 per shop per year
25+ shops €2500 flat rate
The membership year runs from January to December, and pro-rata if you join during the year. 
Please contact secretary@icsa.ie for more information

Conditions of membership
 You must be a registered charity based in Ireland that operates charity shops to fund raise for their objectives.
You must comply with and sign up to the Code of Charity Retailing.

Join us now and make the best value-for-money investment for your charity this year

Complete an ONLINE APPLICATION FORM here

Or download an APPLICATION FORM here