What is Gift Aid?
If you are a UK taxpayer, we can claim an extra 25p from the HMRC on every £1 you donate at no extra cost to you. All you need to do is complete a Gift Aid declaration.
For full details see the gov.uk page on tax relief when you donate to a charity.
How to collect Gift Aid declarations
If you are collecting donations or sponsorship from members of the public at an event – you can use our event Gift Aid form and ask them to Gift Aid their donations.
However, please be sure to follow these simple rules:
RULE 1: Completed in donor’s handwriting
Make sure the form is filled out by the individual in their own handwriting. This is used to evidence that the claim is authorised by the person donating. If different people’s declarations on the form are all in the same handwriting they will be invalid.
RULE 2: Include title and name
The donor must include their title – Mr, Mrs, Miss, Dr, Sir etc, initial of first name (ideally full first names) and surname.
RULE 3: Include home address
The donor must include a minimum of their house number AND postcode. Preferably their full home address.
RULE 4: Are they taxpayers? The Gift Aid box MUST be ticked
Don’t forget to ask the donor to tick the Gift Aid box otherwise we will not be able to claim! Make sure the donor ticks the box to state whether they are a UK taxpayer and wish to Gift Aid, or whether they are not a UK taxpayer. If this section is not completed, we will not be able to claim.
RULE 5: Include donation amount and date
The amount and date of donation or sponsorship must be clearly stated on the Gift Aid form.
How to Gift Aid your own donations
If you are making a one off donation online or signing up to become a Regular Donor, you will be prompted during the sign-up process to tick a box to say you are a UK tax payer and that you wish to Gift Aid your donation. So, if you are a taxpayer, and are happy to do so, please tick the box! It’s as simple as that.
If you wish to make an offline donation, please complete the downloadable document below, so that the Charity can take advantage of the Gift Aid scheme.
Gift Aid declaration form Download PDF Gift Aid form
For more information on Gift Aid please visit HMRC.
