As I write this, we are full into the swing of British summertime, that heady mixture of glorious sunshine and torrential downpours. Abundance is everywhere. Flowers are in bloom, birds are in song and lush, vibrant greenery forms the backdrop to our days.
A colleague of mine, who I worked with several years ago, had a son who had Down syndrome. There came a time when his son moved into his own accommodation, and all was well for a while. Then, one day, Dad received a telephone call.
They call them ‘chuggers’: people whose role in life is to connect you to your giving guilt. They are so happy to see you as you wander through the spending centre abstracted from thoughts of giving. And if you choose to sidestep the chugger, you'll trip over a beggar, cross-legged by the cash machine. A few lonely coins in the cup contrasting shamefully with the tenners shooting from the ATM. Then there's Pudsey on the TV and the latest funding request from the DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee) or a worthy cause at church.
Jesus said it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God (Matthew 19:23). Wealth can be a trap from which it is hard to escape, even as the door stands wide open. But generosity is as much a key to freedom for the cash-strapped as the mega-rich.
Our Training for Trustees days explore the interaction between finance and faith, unpacking what makes churches and charities healthy with regards to trusteeship. Delegates receive helpful pointers on issues such as Gift Aid, tax and employment.
Ruth Leigh caught up with one of our recent attendees Grace Sutton to find out a bit more about her and her experience of the day.
This month we bring you three key updates to Gift Aid, including an increase in the individual gift limit for the Gift Aid small donations scheme (GASDS), new HMRC preferences on names, and a reminder about church finances/taxes being a team sport.
The greatest asset that your church has is your ministry team. These are the folk at the cutting edge of much of what goes on in, and through, your church as they lead the church forward. Whilst we readily acknowledge their importance, do we honour them in thinking well about remuneration levels and in communicating well about matters of pay?
It’s not too late to make a charitable gift in tax year 2018–2019
The new tax year has begun, but it’s not too late for your members to make a tax-efficient gift for 2018–2019.
As you’ll know, your members can only claim Gift Aid on a donation if they’ve paid enough income or capital gains tax in that year to cover the basic rate tax your church will reclaim, as well as any higher or additional rate tax they will reclaim personally.
The Charity Commission have recently published two key updates, which churches and charities need to be aware of. Alan Hough unpacks the guidance.
blogs by the Stewardship team and selected guest writers.
Stewardship is the operating name of Stewardship Services (UKET) Limited. Established in 1906.
Registered charity no. 234714, and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 90305.
Registered office: 1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB
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