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Payroll Giving

What is Payroll Giving?

It is a way of making donations to charity by deduction at source from your stipend, periodical payments or pension.

How does it differ from other methods of giving?

Deductions are made from gross income, so you receive tax relief at source.  Other methods of giving are from net income, so the charity has to claim tax relief subsequently.  Payroll Giving involves less paperwork for the donor than other methods.

Can I donate the tax relief as well?

Yes, if you “gross up” the amount of your donation.  To do this, multiply by 100 and divide by 80.  A donation of £10 thus becomes £12.50 and includes £2.50 tax relief.

How does it work?

You decide how much you wish to give.  Although there are no limits, it must be a regular amount each month.  If you wish, you can divide this between several specified charities and/or a Personal Account. Once we have received your instructions, we deduct your donation from your pay at the end of each month and pass it to an agency.  The agency is then responsible for forwarding the donation.

The recipients must be registered or statutory charities (this includes all PCCs).  The agency will check the validity of each charity.

What is a Personal Account?

It is an account held by the agency in your name.  The agency will offer you a charity card or vouchers.  You can then use these to make ad hoc donations to any charity at any time (eg in response to an appeal).

Who is the agency?

You must choose one of our two agencies:

  • Stewardship: Formed by the merger of Stewardship Services and Sovereign Giving,  an Evangelical Trust established in 1960 with a vision to provide a tax-effective giving service to churches and Christian donors.

  • Charities Aid Foundation (CAF): CAF are an independent body formed in 1924 to distribute money for charitable purposes and to promote charitable giving.

Does the agency make a charge for administration?

Yes. Stewardship will deduct 2½% of your donation. CAF will deduct 4% of your donation (or a minimum of 25p).

How quickly will the agency forward my donation?

Agencies are required by law to forward donations within 60 days of receipt.  However, Stewardship have indicated to us that they aim to forward donations within 15 days of receipt.

How do I start making donations?

Simply complete and return the Payroll Giving instruction form available under "resources" on the left hand side of this page.

Can I subsequently change my instructions?

Yes. Simply complete and return a further instruction form. This will supersede all existing instructions.

Where can I find further information?

  • The Church Commissioners Clergy Payments Department, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3AZ
    Tel : 020-7898 1605
    e-mail :  payroll.giving@c-of-e.org.uk

(Last updated: April 2008)