A Fresh Start for Your Fundraising
The new year is the perfect time to look at your fundraising and see where you can make a real difference. And one of the simplest, most effective ways to boost your income is right under your nose: Gift Aid.
It’s a straightforward government scheme that lets you claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer. The best part? It costs your donors absolutely nothing extra. Think of it as a 25% bonus on donations you’re already receiving.
Let’s say a supporter donates £20. With Gift Aid, that £20 becomes £25. If 100 supporters do the same, you’ve just raised an extra £500. It all adds up, and this can be a game-changer for small and large charities alike.
The Essentials: How Gift Aid Works
Getting to grips with Gift Aid isn’t complicated. Here are the three golden rules:
- Your donor must be a UK taxpayer. They need to have paid at least as much in Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in that tax year as you want to claim in Gift Aid.
- It must be a genuine donation. The donor can’t get anything significant in return. Things like tickets to an event or items from a charity shop don’t count. It has to be a gift, pure and simple.
- You need a valid Gift Aid declaration. This is the key piece of paper (or digital form) where your donor confirms they are a UK taxpayer and want you to claim Gift Aid on their donations. One declaration can cover past, present, and future donations.
For the complete official rules, it’s always a good idea to check the source. You can find everything you need on the GOV.UK website.
Actionable Steps for January
Ready to make this your best fundraising year yet? Here’s what you can do this month to get your Gift Aid in order.
1. Check Your Donor Records
Go through your records. Do you have a Gift Aid declaration for all your regular donors? If not, now is a great time to ask. A simple, friendly email can do the trick. You might be surprised how many people are happy to help but just haven’t been asked.
2. Make it Easy to Say Yes
Look at your donation process. Is the Gift Aid tick box easy to find on your website? Is it included on your paper donation forms? Make it a default part of every single donation method. Don’t make people hunt for it. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to tick the box.
3. Spread the Word
Talk about the difference Gift Aid makes. Use your newsletters, social media, and website to share stories. For example: “Last year, Gift Aid added an extra £2,000 to our funds, which paid for our new community garden.” When donors see the impact, they’re much more likely to get involved.
A Simple Change, A Big Impact
Getting on top of your Gift Aid is one of the most powerful things you can do this January. It doesn’t require a huge new campaign or a big budget. It just needs a little bit of focus.
And if the admin feels like too much, that’s where we come in. GiftAider is designed to make the whole process simple. We help you validate declarations, manage your records, and make claims to HMRC without the headache. It leaves you with more time to focus on what you do best: making a difference.