Introduction
Some large charities assume they’ve mastered Gift Aid, but even big players can leave money on the table. With unclaimed Gift Aid topping hundreds of millions each year, it’s time for a wake-up call: are you really maximising your claims? Even a small percentage gap in your donor base can mean thousands (or millions) lost.
Where Big Charities Slip Up
Large teams can lead to siloed donation systems. Maybe your events department never passes donor details to the finance team, or older membership forms don’t mention Gift Aid. Multiply those small missed claims across thousands of donors, and you see the problem.
Simple Fixes for Bigger Gains
Audit your donor database — see which donors haven’t ticked Gift Aid. Run an email campaign reminding them. Ensure that all online and offline forms include a Gift Aid declaration. Train your regional offices, shops, or membership teams so they all gather correct data.
The High-Rate Donor Factor
Higher-rate taxpayers also benefit personally by claiming relief on their tax return. If you gently let them know, they may be more motivated to always tick Gift Aid (and possibly donate more overall). That’s a double boost to your income.
Conclusion
For big charities, even a 1% increase in Gift Aid sign-ups can net a substantial sum. Don’t assume you’ve got it all covered. Take a fresh look at your processes and plug any gaps. The payoff could be huge.
How GiftAider Cloud Could Help: GiftAider Cloud easily integrates with large CRMs, consolidating data from multiple branches. It pinpoints donors missing declarations and automates follow-ups. Perfect for charities handling big volumes of donors and spread-out teams.