Today, the Institute of Fundraising ('Institute') announces it is to call on government to make a radical ‘u turn’ and change the corporate Gift Aid system, so that charities, rather than businesses, can reclaim Gift Aid.
The Institute’s call is a result of responses by its members to its Gift Aid review, where the majority of members (87%) highlighted that they are keen to see the corporate Gift Aid system revert to its original form.
The Institute has carried out a wide-reaching consultation of its membership on the subject of Gift Aid, and to date has received over 200 responses. Currently examining responses, so that it can share its thinking – and the views of its membership – with the rest of the Gift Aid consortia, the Institute is working to effect a common voice on Gift Aid with the rest of the fundraising community.
Lindsay Boswell, Chief Executive of the Institute of Fundraising, said:
'We are ensuring that our members’ views and opinions lead the Institute’s response to the current Gift Aid review. The vast majority of the Gift Aid review is about individual giving and Gift Aid; this issue should be treated separately as it is about corporate donations. A separate, fuller response will follow before 30th September.'
Mike Wade, Head of Central Fundraising at WaterAid, an Organisational member of the Institute said:
'I am delighted that the Institute has picked up on this issue. Corporate Gift Aid is simply not working for charities at the moment - this is one area that WaterAid believes the original scheme got wrong, and which should be changed to give the tax benefit to the charity, not the donating company.
'WaterAid’s own corporate experience, as well as that of our staff gained via working at a range of large and small charities, is that few if any companies increased their giving as a result of their being able to claim back tax on their gifts. With the benefit going to the charity, we could demonstrate to companies that their donations will achieve more, and inspire more companies to give as a result.'
-ENDS-
For media queries, please contact:
Diana Mackie Tel. 020 7840 1027/ 07793 802 852
Institute of Fundraising
Email Diana Mackie
