Individual giving
The support of individuals is vital to the continued growth, development and success of our overseas programmes and our work with poor communities worldwide.
There are several ways in which you can help.
Make a personal donation to Practical Action today
You can donate online by credit or debit card via secure server; print off, complete and return a donation form to our Supporter Services Unit; or make a telephone donation on Freephone 0800 389 16 24
Help us with a regular gift each month
Alternatively, you could help us with a regular gift each month, enabling us to plan ahead with confidence, securing the long-term future of poor communities worldwide.
Leave a legacy
Legacies are rare and special gifts, from one person to another, from one generation to the next. For Practical Action they are a wonderful source of support for our long-term projects world-wide.
Share your shares
By donating your shares to Practical Action, not only will you help in alleviating poverty, but you can also reclaim the tax on your gift.
Online donations will be processed via a secure server, using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt your personal information, including card number, name and address, so that it cannot be read as it travels over the Internet.
Gift Aid
Through the Gift Aid Scheme we can make all your gifts worth 25% more, at no extra cost to you. Check the boxes on your donation forms. Gift Aid declaration form
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a tax efficient way of making charitable donations. Changes announced in the April 2000 budget made it easier for charities to reclaim the tax on gifts from their supporters. The Gift Aid scheme allows charities to reclaim the tax on all donations, no matter how frequently you give, or whatever the size of your donation.
Which of my donations are valid?
Any donation except CAF or Give as you Earn, made to Practical Action (including those made via Standing Order and Direct Debit) on or after 6 April 2002 are eligible under the Gift Aid scheme, if you are a UK tax payer. Donations made through CAF and payroll giving are exempt and are not eligible under the Gift Aid scheme as the tax has already been reclaimed.
What is the minimum value of a Gift Aid donation?
There is no longer a minimum value. Provided you have paid the necessary Income and/or Capital Gains Tax, all gifts of all sizes are eligible.
Do I have to be a resident in the UK to sign the declaration?
No, provided you pay Income and/or Capital Gains Tax charged in the UK, you can be a resident anywhere in the world and still be eligible.
How much tax do I need to have paid?
You need to have paid Income and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax reclaimed from your donations. For example, for every £10 you donate, we reclaim £2.50 making your donation worth 25% more at no extra cost to you.
What happens if I stop paying tax?
Just let us know the date and we will take care of the rest.
Can I make a joint declaration with my partner?
Yes, just include the full names. Addresses and signatures of both partners on the declaration form. However, you will have to make it clear from whom each eligible donation originates.
What if I am a higher rate tax payer?
If you pay tax at the higher rate, we can claim the basic rate of tax and you can claim the additional tax relief through your self assessment tax return.
For further information about Gift Aid please contact Practical Action on 01926 634531/532 or visit the Directgov at www.direct.gov.uk
