Here are some frequently asked questions about the Start Strong appeal and UK Aid Match:
What is UK Aid Match?
UK Aid Match was set up by the UK government to give a boost to public support for charities working overseas. It does this by doubling public donations to appeals run by British international development charities, in recognition of both the public’s generosity and the wide range of causes they support. This means that for a three-month period, (from 26th March to 25th June) public donations to PHASE Worldwide’s Start Strong appeal will be matched by the UK government, up to £2 million.
When will my donation be doubled?
The UK government is doubling public donations made to the Start Strong appeal between 26th March and 25th June 2021.
Will my existing regular gift be doubled?
Existing gifts will not be doubled. However, if you are an existing regular giver, and you increase your regular gift (made by standing order or direct debit) in response to the Start Strong appeal, the amount your regular gift is increased by will be matched for up to three months. For example if you already give £20 per month and you increase your gift to £25 per month during the appeal, the difference will be matched: £5 x three months = £15. No more than three payments will be matched.
If I set up a new regular gift, how long will it be doubled for?
If you are a new regular giver, giving by standing order or direct debit, who signs up between 25th March and 25th June 2021, up to the first three months of your regular gift will be matched.
Will Gift Aid be doubled?
No, Gift Aid is not included in UK Aid Match. However, if eligible, PHASE Worldwide can still claim Gift Aid on your donation as well as receiving match funding from the UK Government. For example, on a £10 donation, Gift Aid would be worth £2.50, with £10 added in match funding = £22.50 total. A 125% increase!
I’m planning a sponsored event. Can the money I raise be doubled by UK Government?
Yes. After 25th June, there is a two-month ‘grace period’ to allow fundraisers to collect any outstanding donations and send them to us, as long as those donations were pledged to the Start Strong appeal between 26th March and 25th June. Setting up a virtual fundraising page on JustGiving is the ideal way to collect money from your sponsors or run an online fundraising event as an individual or with friends. It’s simple to set up your personal fundraising page and share with people you know.
If you have any other questions about the Start Strong appeal and UK Aid Match, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing info@phaseworldwide.org or telephoning 0117 916 6423.
If you would like to support the work of PHASE Worldwide and help us to continue empowering people living in isolated regions of Nepal the best way to do so is through regular giving. Even the smallest amount a month can make a huge difference. As a regular supporter you will receive exclusive updates and will become part of the PHASE family. You can set up your regular gift easily and securely online.
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