Many charities will proudly tell you that their biggest supporter is HM Government!
I normally give any donation over about £25 under gift aid (otherwise I use a charity voucher similar to CAF)
Despite signing dozens of Gift Aid forms over the years I have no confidence that the charities concerned have a record of these, as most appeals concerned still ask me to sign one that would enable them to reclaim tax since 2001!
Very few, although there are recent small signs of improvement, seem able to indicate on their forms whether they have such a declaration in place. This is worrying as it also suggests the possibility of tax failing to be reclaimed.
It should not to be too difficult for charities to indicate, as some already do that a declaration is on record, either by stating the fact or incorporating an appropriate code into one’s supporter number.
Can I also support other bloggers in deploring the money wasted by charities acknowledging donations. I certainly do not require it (bank statements let me know if the cheque has reached the charity).
A simple box to tick, or not, as to whether one requires a receipt should be standard practise.
This is an interesting perspective. I think that a thank you to someone who has donated is crucial. I suppose that if you’ve decided to give, you know where it’s going, but I’ve always seen the thank you as a way of recognising this support. (it tends to be a simple letter sent second class the same day).
I do like the idea of a tick box, but I think it’s something I’d prefer for someone that has already donated not for a first donation. I know it’s not about what *I* prefer, but what *you* prefer but not sending a thank you letter seems remiss
As for the gift aid – I’ve recently started letting people know whether or not I have a gift aid on file for them, and it wasn’t *that* complicated to set up, all charities should get better at this!
Q Rius “Industry Professional” (- fundraiser)