Is it possible for Rescue to claim gift aid if they are not a Registered Charity?

When I did my sponsored walk, I was able to give gift aid to the Irish Setter Rescue Group, because they are a registered charity. It's worth an extra 25%. Of course I could only do that on the cheques that I wrote out on my own personal account, but it was very much worth it.

So what would it take for American Cocker Spaniel Rescue to become a registered charity, and be able to take advantage of the substantial gift aid scheme?

Dawn R.

Hi Dawn, We would love to become a registered charity, I actually had all the paperwork filled in about 5 years ago, and then came 2007 and the credit crunch, our takings from the stalls at shows etc fell drastically, and the number of dogs coming in needing medical care increased in a big way. This put us in a difficult position - we suddenly found that we did not dare complete the registered charity route, as we could not afford to commit an annual amount for accountancy as the books would need a full audit every year to fulfill the Charity requirements. The cheapest quote we got for this was £300.

Someone did volunteer to pay this for us annually, which was wonderful, but then dropped out of sight. So yes, we will become a registered charity some day, when we know we can afford the accountancy fees - sometimes it is hard to even have to pay the insurance premium which is only about £80 or £90.

Would it perhaps be worth checking whether there is an accountant in the breed club membership (or perhaps on this forum?) that would be prepared to donate his time to audit the accounts? If I was an accountant, I would... but unfortunately I can't help with that. :)

A lot of companies run a scheme where by you donate a set amount each month from your pay to a registered charity and they will match it. Our company does. We have people in our breed clubs who audit our accounts would they not like to help us out ? I know someone who does our sailing club accounts who is a retired accountant i could broach the subject with him
Glenys

That would be great, Glenys. Neither Beverley nor I have any friends/aquaintances who are accountants, and previous requests for help have not had anyone come forward in the breed with the necessary qualifications.

would the people who audit the accounts for one of the three breed clubs not help this good cause?

Hi

I am actually a qualified CCAB accountant (although not employed in accountancy any longer).

My qualification is, however, a public sector qualification (CIPFA), so I am not sure whether this allows me to "sign off" accounts of charitable organisations as this may require a non-public sector qualification. I know, however, that CIPFA accountants can sign off accounts of voluntary organisations. If I am "allowed" to do anything for rescue, I would and could though, and obviously would NOT charge for any time !

Linda

Oh wow Linda. that is amazing. Now we're getting somewhere.

If this works out I will write out gift aid on the donations already made. I believe I can do this within the same tax year. Is that right?

Thankyou Linda, this could mean alot to American Cocker Rescue.

Dawn R.

Great Linda - although I work in accounts and do the same job as an accountant I am not fully qualified so was unable to offer my services

Tracy

Linda, that would be fantastic, thank you. I will check with the Charities people and see what the requirements are, then get back to you. This could make such a big difference to Rescue.