Registering for Gift Aid as a PTFA

[Rob Ryder]

I am currently treasurer on my daughters primary school ptfa. Someone has mentioned if it is worth registering for Gift Aid, i am unsure. We run a summer fair, christmas fair, end of term disco's and shows, non-uniform days, theartre trips, egg hunts, school photographs etc. Are any of these events or activities something that we can claim gift aid on?

[Sarahtirrell]

Rob,

Gift Aid is applicable on any voluntary donations, where the donor (or their family) do not receive a product, service or benefit. So for school discos where you have to pay to enter or dress down days where you have to pay to participate, Gift Aid would not apply...

Having said that, there are ways that you can make your events fit into the Gift Aid scheme. If you were to make the dress down day free, with a suggested donation making it clear where the money would be going, any money raised would be eligible for Gift Aid (as long as the parents were taxpayers), but the children would have to have the option of entering for free..

Gift Aid can work for PTA's like yours but you need to be aware of the rules and how you can make your schemes fit into them. My advice would be to speak to another local PTA and pick their brains about their experiences...

Good luck!

Sarah