Finance

Gift Aid

Gift Aid allows churches and ministry areas to reclaim an extra 25 pence for every £1 donated by eligible UK taxpayers. It remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to increase regular and occasional giving.

How it works

When a donor makes a Gift Aid declaration, the church or ministry area can claim an additional 25% from HMRC. This applies to regular giving, one-off donations, envelopes and digital giving platforms that support Gift Aid.

  • Claims must be supported by accurate donor records and valid declarations.
  • Donors must pay enough UK tax to cover the value of the claim.
  • Gift Aid can be claimed through MyFundAccounting or HMRC’s online portal.

Small Donations Scheme (GASDS)

GASDS allows churches and ministry areas to claim Gift Aid-equivalent amounts on small cash or contactless donations, even when there is no Gift Aid declaration. This is especially valuable at services, collections and occasional offices.

  • Covers eligible small donations up to HMRC limits.
  • Can be claimed alongside standard Gift Aid.
  • Must be recorded and processed consistently.

Best practice for Ministry Areas

  • Keep clear, auditable records of declarations and donations.
  • Ensure forms are stored securely and in line with GDPR.
  • Reconcile claims with MyFundAccounting regularly.
  • Encourage supporters to use Gift Direct for simple, long-term giving.

Helpful links

Support

For Gift Aid or GASDS queries, contact the Diocesan Office:
diocese.swanbrec@cinw.org.uk • 01874 623 716