Background

We receive money from a variety of sources. Our mainstay is government funding. So, we pitch for grant programmes run by, say, the Home Office or the Department for Education & Skills. Then we are paid between 10% and 20% of the programme value as a management fee. This covers the costs of labour, assessment panels and administration. But we also encourage local businesses and private individuals to get involved.

Establishing your own Fund or Trust

Obviously, we put all donations to good use. But a lasting way of making a difference to your local community is to set up your own trust or fund under the direction of the Foundation. You can establish a “Named Fund”. You provide the starting cash. You can spend the capital over a defined period. Or you can opt for a “permanent Endowment” and just spend the investment income. You can define the area of benefit, the community or theme you would like to support. And you can be more or less involved in the actual management, decision making and distribution of grants. One example of this type of scheme is the Andy Murrell Technology Trust, established in memory of a Boston based champion of education for excluded children. The Trust provides computers for alternative and community education programmes. For new trusts, we take a 3% to 8% fee from incoming money to cover our core operations.

There are Tax Incentives

You can opt for Gift Aid or Payroll Giving which accrues 40% relief for higher rate tax payers. Gifts of shares can qualify for up to 80% tax relief!

DormantTrusts

The Charity Commissioners, under the 1993 Act, allow the Foundation to absorb defunct Trusts. An ancient trust, say, for the relief of the poor of the Parish, can be unlocked and put to more appropriate local and general use.

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