I've just looked up Gift Aid and according to HM Taxes & Customs :
"Gift Aid increases the value of donations to charities and Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) by allowing them to reclaim basic rate tax on your gift. If you pay higher rate tax you can claim extra relief on your donations. If you claim higher Personal Allowances or tax credits, Gift Aid donations can sometimes increase your entitlement"
Sounds like someone in marketing had a bright idea for making extra revenue without doing the legal paperwork
I went to Martin Mere today, first time in ages. I have to say I'm not a member (I choose to support other organisations with my limited income) so went along ready to pay the entrance fee. What surprised me was being asked if I wanted to pay 'gift aid' or 'non gift aid' entry! The former being slightly more (£1 something I think) than the latter.
Now maybe its just me being thick, but I thought gift aid was when a charity claimed back the tax on your donation rather than asking you to pay more? I'll admit to only paying the former as to me this feels like being embarrased into paying extra. If they want to charge £11 odd then charge it, don't say you can come in for £10 but we'd really like you to pay more, and as a dedicated conservationist we know you'll want to. Maybe I just don't understand how gift aid works.
The reason I stopped being a member of WWT was I got sick of letters asking for a £20 donation for this or a £20 donation for that. It wasn't the fact they asked for a donation, it was the fact they asked for a specific amount. Almost making me feel like I had to give that much even when I couldnt afford to. Now they seem to be doing the same with their entry fee. They do a fantastic job as a charity but they certainly don't encourage me to join them again.
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No one on their death bed ever said they wished they'd spent more time at work. http://bitsnbirds.blogspot.co.uk
