Payroll giving
What is payroll giving?
Payroll giving, sometimes known as workplace giving or give as you earn (GAYE), is a way of making regular donations to a charity directly from your pay. By giving regularly from your pay, charities automatically receive the tax you would have paid on the donation.
Blue Cross, along with three other animal charities (Mayhew, SPANA, World Horse Welfare), runs its payroll giving activities through Together For Animals. All funds received are distributed equally between the four charities.
If you are an employer looking to find out more about payroll giving please visit Together For Animals webpage.
Thank you for considering supporting us in this way.
Payroll giving FAQs
Please find the answers to the most commonly asked questions below:
How does payroll giving work?
It’s quite straightforward. Simply complete the online form which will go directly to Together For Animals who will check to make sure your company operates a scheme that allows for this. If it does, Together For Animals will notify your payroll department that you would like to set up a regular donation in this way. If you cannot give in this way, Together For Animals will contact you to let you know.
If I decide to take part in payroll giving and complete the form today, how long before the first deduction will come from my pay?
Usually it will start on the next payroll day. However if you are signing up towards the end of the month, deductions are likely to start the month after.
How do I know that you have received my donation?
Your donation is very important to all four charities and Together For Animals will write to thank you. Together For Animals may also send you updates if you have indicated that you are happy to receive these communications. You will know the deduction has started as it will appear on your payslip.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount I have to give?
No there is no upper or lower limit, but a donation of £5 gross (pre-tax) per month is suggested.
How is payroll giving different to a direct debit (gift aid)?
Payroll giving donations are taken straight from your gross pay so there is no need to claim back any tax through Gift Aid which saves on administration costs. If you are a higher rate taxpayer, payroll giving is the only way we can automatically receive all your tax on a donation.
Can I stop giving when I want?
Yes – by notifying your payroll department directly.
What happens to my payroll giving deduction if I leave my job?
Payroll giving automatically stops when you leave your job, but we hope you will continue to give to us at your next job. If you do decide to continue giving in your next job, you will need to set this up again as your donation is not transferable.
Is there an administration fee?
Yes, but only a small one. Your employer will use a payroll giving agent (like a charity bank) to distribute your monies. The payroll giving agents are charities as well so need to make a small charge to cover their operating costs. Some employers pay this fee on your behalf so we will receive your full donation.
If your employer does not pay the fee, the payroll giving agent will deduct it from your donation before passing it on. This will be between a two per cent and four per cent charge.
Can I still give through my pension?
Yes, if you receive an occupational pension and your pension provider deducts tax through the PAYE system, you are still eligible for the scheme. Simply ask your occupational pension provider to make a donation from your pension before tax has been deducted.
What should I do if my employer does not currently have a scheme?
If you are unsure whether your company runs the scheme, complete the form and Together For Animals will let you know whether your company does or does not. If they do not it may be worth suggesting to them that they could introduce one; this would be greatly appreciated by all charities making up Together For Animals.
Who can I contact if I need any further information?
For any questions not covered here please contact Together For Animals on 0870 609 2810 or by email at [email protected]