Gift Aid — A Simple Way to Support Our Parish at No Extra Cost
Many parishioners generously support the life and mission of our parish through their weekly offerings and donations. What many people may not realise is that, through the UK Government’s Gift Aid scheme, your donation can be increased by 25% at absolutely no extra cost to you.
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a scheme operated by HM Revenue and Customs that allows charities, including churches and parishes, to reclaim tax on donations made by UK taxpayers.
This means that:
- a donation of £10 becomes £12.50,
- £100 becomes £125,
- and regular giving throughout the year can make a significant difference to the parish.
The additional money comes directly from the government — not from you.
Why is Gift Aid Important for Our Parish?
Gift Aid provides valuable additional income that helps support:
- the upkeep and maintenance of the church,
- heating, lighting, and essential running costs,
- pastoral and sacramental ministry,
- youth and children’s programmes,
- outreach and charitable activities,
- music and liturgical life,
- and the wider mission of the parish.
Every eligible parishioner who signs up helps strengthen the parish community and supports the Church’s mission for future generations.
Who Can Use Gift Aid?
You can sign up for Gift Aid if:
- you are a UK taxpayer,
- and you pay enough Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year to cover the amount reclaimed on your donations.
Gift Aid can apply to:
- weekly offertory giving,
- standing orders,
- one-off donations,
- and many parish fundraising contributions.
How Do I Sign Up?
Signing up is simple and only takes a few minutes.
You simply complete a Gift Aid declaration form allowing the parish to reclaim tax on your donations. Once completed, Gift Aid can often be applied to future donations and, in some cases, to donations made in recent years.
Forms are available:
- at the back of the church,
- from the parish office,
- or through the parish website.
If you already give regularly but have not yet completed a Gift Aid declaration, we warmly encourage you to consider doing so.
A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference
Gift Aid is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the parish without increasing your giving. By completing a simple declaration, your generosity goes even further in supporting the worship, ministry, and mission of our parish community.
We thank all parishioners for their continued generosity, prayers, and commitment to parish life.
If you would like more information about Gift Aid or need assistance completing a form, please contact the parish office.