Why should I fill out a Gift Aid Declaration?

Filling in a Gift Aid Declaration will enable the Church to claim back £28 for every £100 given by any donor who is a UK taxpayer. This provides a significant top up of your gift and it doesn't cost you a penny! It takes just a few minutes to complete a declaration.

What if my financial circumstance change and I wish to reduce or even stop my giving?

By completing a Gift Aid Declaration, you are simply stating that it is your intention that Aylesbury Vineyard be able to reclaim Gift Aid relief on any future gifts given. If your circumstances change for unforseen reasons, you are free to reduce or stop your giving; we just ask that you inform us in writing. There are no government penalties or 'claw backs' for ceasing giving and the Gift Aid Declaration can remain in force so that should you decide to resume giving, the Church can begin to reclaim the tax relief once more.

What if I'd like to increase my giving?

Simply download, complete and return a new Standing Order mandate, or increase your cash/cheque donations as appropriate when putting your gift into the offering baskets on a Sunday. Any Gift Aid Declaration already lodged with us will apply to all gifts, even if they change. Many people use online banking facilities, so modifying standing orders can usually be done at the click of a button. It would help us administratively if you could drop us a line to let us know about any changes in your regular giving.

What if I leave Aylesbury Vineyard or cease my giving?

You are not tied financially to the church in any way. Simply drop us a line to let us know and, if you give by Standing Order, let your bank or building society know too.

What if I cease to be a taxpayer?

Let us know immediately so that we can cease claiming tax back from HM Revenue and Customs at the apropriate point in the tax year (it may be that we are able to claim tax back on gifts after your change in circumtances, due to the amount of tax you may have already paid up to the point of ceasing to be a taxpayer).

How often should I give?

This is entirely up to you. We encourage people to give regularly and for most people, they receive their income on a monthly basis and so they find it easier to budget by giving on a monthly basis too. However, we can receive your giving on whatever terms suit your own financial management circumstances.

What if I wish to give addiitional gifts above and beyond my regular giving?

This is fine and they can be for any amount. The Gift Aid Declaration covers all the gifts you give, whether regular or special or one-off gifts you may decide to make. As long as we can identify your gift (either by Standing Order or through the envelopes at Church), then we can reclaim the Gift Aid proportion.

If I give by cash, how can I ensure the Church are able to reclaim the Gift Aid on my gift?

The key to reclaiming Gift AId is in our ability to identify your gift from all the gifts we may receive during any one offering. We therefore ask that you place your gifts (cash or cheque) in the white Gift Aid envelopes that are provided. You then need to fill out all your details on the front of the envelope (name and address). If you have previously completed a Gift Aid Declaration, then your name on the envelope is all we need.

What happens to the money I give?

Stewarding the Lord's money well is a high priority at the Vineyard. We make every effort to ensure the money you give is used wisely and responsibly in furthering the work and ministry of the Church. Checks are in place to ensure the money is used appropriately and to prevent wastage and fraud.

As a registered Charity and a Limited Company, Aylesbury Vineyard is governed by both charity and company law. Our accounts are submitted annually to both legislative bodies and are also monitored by a team of Trustees, who are responsible for ensuring the money is used for the purpose it was given. If you would like to see them, copies of the accounts will be made available to people who are giving regularly.