Donation FAQs
Below you can find the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Donating
How do I make a one-off donation?
You can make a one-off donation via Credit or Debit Card through our Single donation form.
How do I make a regular donation?
You can set up a regular Direct Debit through our Regular donation form.
How do I amend my regular gift?
If you need to amend or cancel your Direct Debit you can either contact your bank or contact the Philanthropy Team on +44 (0)300 131 2321 or email giving@noc.ac.uk.
Why do you prefer people to make regular gifts rather than one-off donations?
Monthly donations have greater impact because they enable us to plan for the future and ensure money is available where it is needed most.
Regular gifts mean a consistent, predictable income, so that we can plan and budget better, and therefore, be more efficient. More of your money goes towards our work as they generate less administration.
There are also benefits to you, the donor. You can donate monthly, so instead of donating once or twice a year, you can donate smaller amounts throughout the year, spreading the cost.
Online Security
Is it safe to make a donation online?
When you make a donation through our website your web browser connects to a secure service. Any personal information you enter into our online donation form is encrypted at rest with AES-256.The National Oceanography Centre is committed to protecting the security of your data. No staff members have access to your card or bank details.
Gift Aid and Tax Efficient Giving
Providing you are a UK taxpayer, you can increase your charitable donations to all charities including the National Oceanography Centre by Gift Aiding your donations.
If you have any questions about Gift Aid, please contact the Philanthropy Team on +44 (0)300 131 2321 or email giving@noc.ac.uk.
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is one of the simplest and most effective ways of giving to charity. It is a scheme introduced by HM Revenue & Customs, which allows us to reclaim the basic rate tax you pay as a UK taxpayer.
It means that for every £1 you donate we can claim an extra 25p of tax, at no extra cost to you. All that is required from you is a one-off declaration. You can let us know you wish to Gift Aid your donation by ticking the Gift aid box when making a donation online, or you can make an oral declaration by contacting the Philanthropy Team on +44 (0)300 131 2321 or by email at giving@noc.ac.uk.
Please remember to let us know of any changes to your tax status, including changes to your name and address.
Do I qualify for Gift Aid?
Gift Aid can be applied to any value of donation. You can Gift Aid donations made by cash, cheque, postal order, credit or debit card, direct debit and standing order.
To qualify for Gift Aid, you need to be a UK taxpayer, and to have paid income tax or capital gains tax that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities and Community Amateur Sports clubs you give to will claim on your gift aid donations in the year that they are received. Please note that other taxes such as Council Tax and VAT do not count for Gift Aid purposes.
Tax is claimed at the basic rate of 20% (which is 25% on the net value of your donation). This means that under Gift Aid for every £1 you give, NOC can reclaim at least an additional 25p from HM Revenue & Customs.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible for donating by Gift Aid, or simply want more information, contact the HM Revenue and Customs directly by calling their Gift Aid helpline on +44 (0)151 472 6038 or visiting www.hmrc.gov.uk.
Do I need to make a separate Gift Aid declaration for each tax year?
No, you only need to make a declaration once. This declaration enables us to claim Gift Aid on all donations you have made in the past four years, and any future donations.
Please ensure that you notify us of changes to your tax status; otherwise this could result in us claiming tax relief we are not entitled to, which could have implications for you.
Do I need to make a separate Gift Aid declaration with each charity I support?
Unfortunately you need to inform each charity that you support and that they are able to claim Gift Aid on your donations. Gift aid declarations are kept, and claims to HMRC made, by individual charities.
What if I pay a higher rate of tax?
If you are a higher rate taxpayer we can still only claim the basic rate of tax on your donation. However, you are able to reclaim the difference between the amount we reclaim and the 40% you pay yourself through your annual tax return.
Can I withdraw my Gift Aid declaration?
You can cancel your Gift Aid declaration at any time by emailing your full name and address, including your postcode, to giving@noc.ac.uk.
Find out more
For more information, or to discuss a donation, please contact the Philanthropy Team on +44 (0)300 131 2321 or email giving@noc.ac.uk.