CHARITABLE GIVING
For the last few years I have had the job of recommending to the PCC the names of Charities worthy of our support. As you will know, there are so many needy and deserving causes today that it is difficult to decide what to do. Each year I look for those in greatest need in terms of local, national and international Charities.
Sometime ago I decided to apply certain principles. Often using the Internet as well as their publications I read their Mission Statements, then look at how they prioritize, examine their costs and finally consider their own ability in raising funds. The differences between them can be huge.
Most people probably do not realise how much can be deducted under headings such as publicity, administration, campaigning, education, advocacy, fundraising. Then a large percentage may be reserved for development programmes, which may be sensible and desirable in certain cases. However, when we are responding to emergencies as they happen, it seems to me that funds in total ought to reach the point of need urgently. All of this does not take into account the possibilities of corruption, which we know, exist. Having asked questions, read a lot, listened to news bulletins and consulted others I am able to make decisions.
Following our distribution of money this year, may I suggest that you read the replies we get? They will be posted on our notice boards at the back of church as soon as they come in.
Ralph Hebditch
Gift Aid will benefit the Church
Throughout time Charities have depended on the Alms, Tithes and giving of individuals to carry out their work. The Church is no exception and All Saints and St. Marks have benefited and been able to plan due to regular committed giving from church members.
The weekly envelope scheme, bank standing orders and cheques are the mainstay of the Church's income supplemented by collection plate giving at Services.
From the 6th April 2000, there have been major changes to the tax treatment of gifts with the introduction of Gift Aid. This can be of immense benefit to the Church.
The advantage of Gift Aid, over the previous Covenant arrangement, is that there is no fixed commitment.
Every pound donated can be enhanced by an additional 28%, if the donor has paid the equivalent tax. The donation does not have to be regular but can also be on an occasional basis. If your financial circumstances alter in the future, then you can adjust, both up or down, the amount you are giving.
Obviously, the Inland Revenue can ask for proof of giving and hence donations either regular or occasional need to be verified and consequently need to be by the envelope scheme, bank standing order or cheque. All this means is that to reclaim the tax a simple declaration form has to be completed and all donations are, of course, regarded as confidential by the Church.
We need to use the tax rules to the advantage of the Church. At this time of Stewardship, I would ask all those who are tax payers and at present use the envelope scheme but have not signed a gift aid form for their donations to use the Gift Aid scheme.
Even more important, those who are tax payers and place money in the collection plate could benefit the Church by switching to the envelope system.
As Gift Aid Secretary, I will be pleased to talk to any member of the Church and provide the declaration form.
Let us use the Tax rules to the Church's benefit.
For every £100 given the Church will receive £128
Derek Warner (Tel. 871952)
"This press release from Salisbury gives an indication of the success of the diocesan-wide Give to Grow campaign. We were one of the parishes that did not give a quantifiable result to Salisbury as, you will recall, we did not ask for specific pledges. However it is very pleasing to report that, from the figures already available within this year, a very generous response has been made by our parish and the rise in our share by almost �7000 is looking nearly attainable!"
MISSIONARY BOXES July 2006
Children's Society £98.07
The Leprosy Mission £105.43
CMS £125.16
Overall Total £328
Many thanks to all those who contributed. The next box opening will be at the end of January 2007