Fundraising Tips

Against the backdrop of a such a beautiful location there really is nothing more enjoyable than a competing in a running event whilst raising valuable funds for charity.

For information on running for one of our associated or nominated charities please click here.

Matched Funding - Many companies will pledge to match their employee's fundraising pound for pound up to an agreed ceiling.

Gift Aid - Using Gift Aid means that for every pound you give, your chosen charity can extra 28 pence from the Inland Revenue, helping your donation go further.

This means that £10 can be turned into £12.80 just so long as donations are made through Gift Aid. Imagine what a difference that could make, and it doesn't cost you a thing.Through the Gift Aid system charities can claim from the Inland Revenue tax paid on donations. Given the current basic rate of income tax an additional £28 can be claimed on every £100 donated, or £2.80 on a £10 donation.

Gift Aid does not impact upon the donor but greatly benefits the charity. It is a straightforward system with 4 simple steps:

• Advise your donor that through Gift Aid the Foundation reclaim tax paid on their donation.
• Ensure your 'sponsor' enters their name, postcode, amount given and signs the form in the space provided.
• Forward your Gift Aid donor sheets, with your funds raised, to the office.
• We do the rest. In each case, we will write to all donors thanking them for their support and confirming that their donation has been processed through the Gift Aid system.

Corporate - All companies are able to off-set any charitable donations against corporation tax in their year end return. In this way, if a company donates £100 and pays corporation tax at 30%, the real term cost to the company is £70. It is important, however, that the company pays the full amount in the first instance and off-sets it against liability at the end of their financial year.

US Nationals - Any US nationals making a donation may do so by off-setting the sum against the US tax liability.

Here are four important things to remember when asking for sponsorship:

1) You really deserve the sponsorship.

2) To run a Marathon, 10K or 5K is truly challenging and needs a lot of preparation. The least your colleagues, friends and family can do, as they relax at home that weekend, is back you with their cash!

3) It can be more productive to win significant levels of support from a few, rather than small amounts from many. This is where companies come in. Please, before anything else, approach your employer for matched funding.

4) The best methods of asking for support, in order of effectiveness, are as follows:

• Face to face
• By phone
• By letter, which is clearly a personal letter - handwritten is best
• By personalised standard letter

Finally, remember the charities you are supporting really need the money you are raising to turn it into tangible benefits.