18 WAYS TO SUPPORT A CHARITY IN 2023

1. GIFT AID

Always subscribe to gift aid, which increases the value of every pound by 25% for the charity. Your chosen charity is able to claim back the percentage from most donations made by people who have paid UK Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax during that year.

2. PAYROLL GIVING SCHEME

Ask your employer about the payroll giving scheme, where employees can donate to any registered UK charity straight from their salary before tax. Employers must be recognised by HMRC, and of course need to commit to utilising the donation for charitable purposes. Visit gov.uk/payrollgiving for more information on payroll giving agencies that are approved by HMRC

3. DONATE TO CHARITY

Donate whatever physical items you can to charities. Another option is to sell your own unwanted items on a site like Facebook Marketplace, and donate the money raised to a charity you support.

4. CHARITY SHOPPING

Shop in charity shops as a matter of course; you can find amazing fashion items, vintage finds and individual souvenirs. There’s also an important sense of social responsibility and environmental support attained when you are recycling a pre-loved item, and the virtue of trying to make the world a fairer and more compassionate place.

5. VOLUNTEERING

In our last issue, we showcased the benefits of volunteering for charities. Offering your time can actually boost you own emotional health and levels of socialisation; all while supporting a worthy cause.

6. CHARITY CAMPAIGNING

Campaigning to support local organisations can be a great way to give something back. Leaflet dropping, sharing social media posts, writing to your MP around key issues, and raising awareness in your community can all help.

7. GET CREATIVE

Could you be creative, to raise funds? Many charities have thrift shops, fetes or open days, whereby newly created items can be sold to raise funds – do you have any creative flair, perhaps around making blankets, jewelry, sewn toys, beautiful art works, or other crafty bits?

8. TOY BOX SCHEME

Considering supporting a toy box scheme, whereby customers buy an extra toy that is donated to a child in need. Charity kidsout. org.uk is just one example.

9. BEFRENDING

See if any local or national charities offer a befriending scheme. These match volunteers with folk in need, in the community. The process is much like volunteering in-person at a charity, but here, the people you’re helping fall within the charity’s core interest or specialism. (There are of course many ways in which we can support local people in need, such as walking their dog, helping with the gardening or doing some shopping for them; even if we do not go through formal befriending channels.)

10. SPONSORSHIP

Consider undertaking a sponsored event, such as a charity run – these activities are still popular ways to raise funds for charities, as the process allows individuals 