Payroll giving is one of the easiest, secure and tax efficient ways to regularly donate to your favourite charity, in fact it costs you less to give more. Since its inception 35 years ago, one million people a year have raised more than £2 billion via payroll giving for good causes throughout the UK – incredible!
So, what exactly is payroll giving?
Payroll giving is an easy, tax-efficient way of donating directly through your salary.
It enables you to give a regular amount to support the work of Charlie House straight from your gross salary (before tax is deducted) giving immediate tax relief on your donation. This means we receive more money at no extra cost to you.
For example, if you are a basic rate taxpayer, for every £1 that you earn, £0.20 is paid in tax. If you donate £10 a month, we receive the full amount but only £8 will be deducted from your net pay.
If you pay a higher rate of 42% tax, when you donate £10 a month, only £5.80 will be deducted from your net pay, and at 47% only £5.30 would be deducted.*
Every penny counts to make a difference to children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions right here in the North-east of Scotland.
- With a £10 a month donation, the Charlie House Services Team could help provide emotional support when a family needs it most.
- £20 a month could help deliver sibling activities and vital support, providing a safe space for siblings to make friends and talk about their worries.
- £30 a month could help provide bereavement support to families who are facing the unimaginable loss of a child.
Interesting, funding aside, what are the benefits of payroll giving?
There are numerous benefits to payroll giving, not just for charities, but also donors and employers:
For donors, it’s quick & easy to sign up for, plus, donations comes out of your gross pay so there is no tax liability meaning you will pay less tax. Donors also get a warm and fuzzy feeling in the knowledge that every month they have helped Charlie House continue to support children and families across our region when they need it most.
For employers, payroll giving boosts your corporate social responsibility profile and demonstrates commitment to causes employees care about. It can also aid staff recruitment and retention plus improving morale.
For charities like Charlie House, regular giving means we can plan effectively and focus on delivering day to day initiatives and projects such as inclusive activities for the children and families we support. Payroll giving also saves valuable time spent on admin; because donations are made from gross pay, we don’t need to spend time claiming gift aid and can focus more time on our projects, like the Big Build Appeal – our £8m appeal to build our specialist care facility.
Sounds like it's win win, so how do I become a payroll giver?
Have a chat with your HR or Payroll Team and ask if they operate a Payroll Giving scheme. If they already have one in place, let them know that you would like to sign up.
If they don’t operate a Payroll Giving scheme, setting up a Payroll Giving scheme is a very simple procedure. Your employer will need to contact the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) or HMRC Charities Helpline 0845 302 0203 and they will be happy to give advice on this simple procedure. You can also find out information on the UK Government website.
There are various payroll giving platforms available (charges may vary) in the UK here are some of the most popular:
Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)
You can also contact us for more information on how to make a donation through your salary or ask more about our work and how you can support us. Contact: Fundraising team on 01224 313333 or email fundraise@charliehouse.org.uk
There are other ways that you can support through Corporate partnerships too, learn more here!
*Based on Scottish Income Rates 2023/24. Please note this is not tax advice, refer to your HR department for information about your income tax rates.
