Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 14:55:34 -0000
From: Jon Parsons
I am a fundraiser for a small charity, and would be interested to find out how different charities are going to implement the changes to the Gift Aid scheme, which take effect from April 1st next year.
For anyone who isn't aware, Gift Aid is changing from that date to have no minimum amount, and with no paperwork needed to be completed by donors. Charities only have to ascertain that the gift has come from a taxpayer, obtain their agreement for the gift to be treated as Gift Aid (which can be verbal), and then acknowledge to the donor that the gift has been classed as Gift Aid.
This is obviously very good news for all of us, but how do we ensure we maximise the potential that is there? On response forms, do we ask if the gift may be classed as Gift Aid, or do we ask the donor to specify if the gift may not be classed as Gift Aid? Only a small difference I know, but pschologically the latter question may well result in more gifts being able to be treated as Gift Aid.
Any thoughts, or policies that have already been established?
Jon Parsons
(jon.p@virgin.net)
