The Countryside Alliance Foundation will allocate the additional funds from GiftAid to enhance several key areas, providing greater benefits to rural communities. Here’s how these funds will be utilised:
Strengthening Rural Policy Advocacy:
- Policy Research and Development: Increasing efforts in researching rural issues to develop comprehensive policies that address the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
- Lobbying and Advocacy: Enhancing engagement with policymakers to ensure rural concerns are prioritised in legislative agendas, including issues related to farming, rural businesses, and community services.
- Community Outreach: Organising events and forums to gather input from rural residents and ensure their voices are heard in policy discussions.
Expanding Fishing for Schools:
- Programme Expansion: Extending the reach of the Fishing for Schools programme to more regions, allowing more students to benefit from this unique educational initiative.
- Resources and Equipment: Investing in high-quality fishing equipment and educational materials to improve the learning experience for students.
- Training and Support: Providing additional training for instructors and support staff to ensure the highest standards of education and safety in the programme.
- Programme Expansion: Extending the reach of the Fishing for Schools programme to more regions, allowing more students to benefit from this unique educational initiative.
- Resources and Equipment: Investing in high-quality fishing equipment and educational materials to improve the learning experience for students.
- Training and Support: Providing additional training for instructors and support staff to ensure the highest standards of education and safety in the programme.
By directing the additional funds from GiftAid towards these areas, The Countryside Alliance Foundation aims to create significant and lasting benefits for rural communities, ensuring they thrive and are well-represented in national policy discussions. This comprehensive approach not only addresses immediate needs but also invests in the long-term sustainability and vitality of rural life.
How does Gift Aid work?
Gift Aid is a UK tax incentive that allows charities to reclaim tax on donations made by UK taxpayers. This means that for every £1 you donate, the charity can claim an additional 25p from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), making your donation go further.
What do I need to do to use Gift Aid?
You need to complete a Gift Aid declaration form, confirming that you are a UK taxpayer and have paid at least as much Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax as the charity will reclaim
How does Gift Aid benefit higher rate taxpayers?
If you are a higher rate taxpayer (40%), you can claim the difference between the higher rate and the basic rate (20%) on the gross value of your donation. You do this through your Self Assessment tax return. For instance, on a £100 donation (grossed up to £125 with Gift Aid), you can claim back £25, reducing the net cost to you to £75.
How does Gift Aid benefit additional rate taxpayers?
If you are an additional rate taxpayer (45%), you can claim the difference between the additional rate and the basic rate (25%) on the gross value of your donation. For a £100 donation (grossed up to £125 with Gift Aid), you can claim back £31.25, reducing the net cost to you to £68.75.
Can companies benefit from making donations to charities?
Yes, companies can deduct the value of their donations to charities from their total business profits before calculating Corporation Tax. This can include donations of money, equipment, trading stock, land, property, or even employees on secondment.
How does Corporation Tax relief work for donations?
If a company donates £1,000 to a charity, it can reduce its taxable profits by the same amount. With the current Corporation Tax rate at 19%, this could save the company £190 in tax, making the net cost of the donation £810.
What records do companies need to keep for charitable donations?
Companies should keep accurate records of all charitable donations made. This includes the amount donated, the date, and the recipient charity. These records are necessary to ensure the donations are correctly deducted when calculating taxable profits.
What are the benefits of donating to the Countryside Alliance as a taxpayer?
- For individuals: You can boost the value of your donation through Gift Aid, and if you are a higher or additional rate taxpayer, you can also benefit from personal tax relief.
- For companies: Donations can reduce your taxable profits, offering a direct tax saving.
How do I claim tax relief on my charitable donations?
If you are an individual, you claim tax relief through your Self Assessment tax return. If you are a company, you deduct the donations when calculating your taxable profits.
You can download a Charity Gift Aid Declaration form here.
What is the Countryside Alliance and Farewill partnership?
We’ve partnered with Farewill, the UK’s leading online will-writing provider, to offer Countryside Alliance members a free, legally valid will. It’s a quick and secure way to make sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are looked after.
Who can use the free will service?
All Countryside Alliance members can use this offer. It’s one of the many benefits of your membership.
How does it work?
- Click the link on our website or in your member email.
- Create your will online in around 15 minutes.
- Farewill’s experts check your will for legal accuracy.
- Print and sign your will with two witnesses to make it legally binding.
You can also choose Farewill’s optional telephone service if you prefer to speak with someone directly.
How long does it take?
Most people finish their will in 15–30 minutes, and you can pause and return at any time.
What do I need before I start?
Have the following ready:
- Names and addresses of beneficiaries and executors
- Details of your assets and property
- Instructions for any specific gifts or charities
- Guardian choices (if you have children under 18)
Is the service really free?
Yes. The Countryside Alliance covers the cost for members. Farewill only charges for optional extras such as complex legal advice or mirror wills.
Can my partner or spouse use it too?
Yes. Your partner can write a will for free through the same link, even if only one of you is a Countryside Alliance member.
Is the will legally valid?
Yes. Farewill’s wills are valid across England and Wales once properly signed and witnessed. Farewill is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
What if I live in Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Farewill’s online service currently covers England and Wales, but they can guide you on suitable alternatives if you live elsewhere in the UK.
Can I update my will later?
Yes. You can amend or rewrite your will at any time through your Farewill account.
Do I have to post anything?
No. Everything is done online. Just print and sign your will with two witnesses.
Where should I store my will?
Keep your signed will in a safe place and let your executors know where it is. Farewill also offers secure digital storage for your document.
Will my details be shared with the Countryside Alliance?
No. Farewill will only share information with us if you choose to tell us you’ve left a gift and consent to that contact. Your privacy is always respected.
Who do I contact with questions?
Where can I start my free will?
Visit www.countryside-alliance.org/leave-a-gift to start today.