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The campaign launches ahead of Gift Aid Awareness Day on Thursday 1 October and aims to build support across the charity sector for reforms that would make Gift Aid fit for the digital age. CFG has also included the call for a modernised, digital Gift Aid system in its submission to the government ahead of the autumn Budget, made jointly with colleagues from the Civil Society Group

Gift Aid allows charities to claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer, providing a significant boost to charitable income at no additional cost to donors. Yet the system remains tied to processes designed for a different fundraising era, and charities are losing out as a result: too many donations go unclaimed, and too much staff time is spent on paperwork rather than on delivering services.

CFG is calling on the government to work with charities, payment providers and fundraising platforms to create a simple, secure and modern digital Gift Aid system. The proposed changes would reduce administrative burdens, improve accuracy, and make it easier for charities and donors to benefit from Gift Aid.

Smaller charities, in particular, spend disproportionate amounts of time managing Gift Aid declarations and claims relative to their resources. A modernised system could strip out this repetitive administration while maintaining safeguards against fraud and preserving donor choice, freeing up time and money for charities to devote to their cause, rather than admin.

As part of the initiative, CFG is providing campaign resources for charities, supporting engagement with MPs and working with partners across the sector to raise awareness of the benefits that reform could deliver.

Alongside this, CFG is providing a suite of social media assets for charities to use on Gift Aid Awareness Day to remind donors to #TickTheBox when they give. On the day itself, CFG will also be hosting a Gift Aid Awareness Day webinar, where charities can put their Gift Aid questions to CFG’s expert corporate partners.

Dr Clare Mills, CFG’s co-CEO, comments:

"Gift Aid is one of the most effective forms of support available to charities, generating vital income that helps organisations deliver services, support communities and respond to growing demand. Yet the system that underpins it has not kept pace with the way people donate today.

"Charities should not have to spend valuable time and resources navigating processes that are unnecessarily complex or administrative. Every hour spent on avoidable paperwork is time that could be spent helping beneficiaries, strengthening communities and delivering public benefit.

"That's why we're launching Back the Future of Gift Aid to build support right across the sector. We're calling on the government to work with charities and technology providers to create a modern, secure and efficient digital Gift Aid system.

"Future-proofing Gift Aid would help charities claim money they are entitled to, reduce administrative burdens and ensure this important relief remains effective for years to come. As we look ahead to Gift Aid Awareness Day, we encourage charities across the UK to get involved and help us make the case for a simpler, more accessible Gift Aid system that works better for charities, donors and government alike."

CFG’s Gift Aid Awareness Day toolkit, which contains social media assets and a draft letter for charities to send to their MPs regarding the Back The Future of Gift Aid campaign, is available to access here.

CFG will be also be hosting a free, one-hour Gift Aid webinar on Thursday 1 October, where Gift Aid experts will be on hand to answer any questions regarding the claiming process, and how to maximise the amount of Gift Aid charities can claim. Head to our events portal for more info

Media contacts

Glyn Sheldon, Communications Coordinator, glyn.sheldon@cfg.org.uk

Emma Abbott, Head of Communications and Content, emma.abbott@cfg.org.uk