Why wouldn’t you?

“Why wouldn’t you do all you can as a charity or non-profit organisation to make the most of Gift Aid?” asked Dan Kingsley, Head of Fundraising Operations, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) at the recent TechSmart event in London, “it is a huge bonus and it’s just not being talked about.”

Gift Aid plays a significant part in CAP’s fundraising – the £1.2 million that the organisation receives forms 9.5% of its total income. “That means we can help many more people than we would be able to without it,” says Dan.

Unrestricted funding such as that from Gift Aid, are donations a non-profit organisation may use for any purpose that they wish. These funds usually go toward the operating expenses of the organisation or to a particular project of their choice – including digital transformation.

“We all know what restricted funding means but Gift Aid has no restriction – it can help transform your fundraising – it could even transform you digitally if you want to spend it on that, which can ultimately help you raise more funds and make an even bigger impact.”

CAP’s mission

CAP was founded in Bradford, West Yorkshire by John Kirkby in the 1990s. It is a national organisation specialising in debt counselling for people in financial difficulty, including those who need advice to help them in bankruptcy or insolvency situations. It also provides Job Clubs for those who are looking for work and Fresh Start Courses for people who want to overcome addictions and dependencies.

“We are on a mission at CAP to release millions of people from poverty and debt which steal people’s lives from them. By equipping and empowering local churches to reach out on their doorsteps, we’re bringing hope to over 21,500 families every year. Imagine having to choose between buying your children food and being evicted? It is a choice that no-one should have to make.”

CAP has 30,000 regular donors and around 320 staff, therefore needs to be strategic with the money it receives to maximise our reach and impact, and our digital technology helps with this, says Dan.

“Some charities never make a claim from Gift Aid, so do it now and prioritise Gift Aid in your organisation – regardless of manpower.”

Poverty breaks families apart, isolates people from friends and family, shatters confidence and drives many to think that suicide is the only way out.