Like all Charities the Education Centre relies very much on the goodwill and support it receives from its members, volunteers and the public at large.

One of the most difficult and unpredictable challenges that face Charities is securing the finance to enable them to run their activities. The larger and more established Charities employ professional fundraisers to ensure there is steady income of money. Many have also secured the financial backing of wealthy patrons which enables them to plan ahead with a high degree of confidence

One way of easing the burden of fundraising, particularly in small Charities, is through the "Gift Aid" arrangements as set out by the government.

The scheme allows Charities to claim back money from the "tax" paid by donors. In order to qualify the donor must be a UK income tax and / or capital gains tax payer whose tax contribution is at least equal to the amount being reclaimed by the charity

The two most common ways that donors can enable the Charity to take advantage of the "Gift Aid" scheme is by either:

• Making a regular donation via a Standing Order Mandate with your local bank. This requires your instructions to be given to your bank and they will comply with them until you inform them otherwise. [The information you provide is no more than would be set out on a personal cheque]



• The other method is by a single donation or a series of irregular donations. This requires you to complete a cheque in favour of the Charity and this will be processed in the normal way

The "tax" reclaimed by the Charity is quite significant in that is is in excess of 20% [currently it is 28%]. For example a regular £10.00 donation becomes in reality a £12.80 donation. A single donation of £100.00 becomes £128.00

If you would like to support us in our activities with the children we would be pleased if you would complete our "Gift aid" form in order that we can take advantage of the scheme and make your donation go that bit further

We thank you in anticipation of your support; it is most welcome and will be very much appreciated