What is the Annual Fund?
The Annual Fund is the School’s regular giving programme. It provides additional non-fee income for projects of immediate need around the School. It has been running successfully for three years and has made a significant contribution to a number of relatively modest projects at the School as well as making a big impact on the number of bursary awards we are able to make each year. By supporting the Annual Fund you are making a real difference to the lives of current and future pupils of Merchant Taylors’ School. Annual Fund gifts go straight to work because the School will use your gift in the same fiscal year.
Does this have something to do with the government looking at Charities?
Our history of giving predates the Charities Commission by four centuries and will, we believe, endure another 400.
When does the Annual Fund year begin and how long is the appeal?
The Annual Fund year begins anew on 1 September and runs for the whole year.
Why doesn’t the school just raise fees?
School fees are important but historically, they only fund a portion of the School’s budget. Annual gifts offer greater flexibility than fees; annual gifts are entrepreneurial and allow the school to meet new and exciting opportunities as they arise whether for a special school initiative or an unexpected bursary for a great applicant.
Doesn’t the Merchant Taylors’ Company give us lots of money?
The Merchant Taylors’ Company provides the land and buildings to the School; provides Governors who give generously of their time and talent; and more. MTS must, however, take care of itself and not only depend on others for charitable support.
What would the Annual Fund support?
Each year we will select a number of priority projects around the School which will have an immediate and visible impact on the lives of the boys at School. Donors may choose which of these projects to support or they may leave it to the Head Master’s discretion and he will apply it to the area of greatest need. For more information about the projects selected this year, please see the Annual Fund brochure.
Will this money go to new buildings?
Gifts will only go where the donor specifies. The annual fund does not tend to support major capital projects. However, if you are interested in supporting this type of project, please don’t hesitate to contact the Development Director, Nick Latham.
Does the School have charitable status for tax purposes?
Yes, the School is a registered charity and therefore all gifts are tax effective. Thus, if you sign a Gift Aid declaration on your donation form, we are able to claim back the income tax you have paid at the basic rate, increasing the value of your donation. If you are a higher rate (40%) or highest rate (45%) tax-payer, on top of this, you may claim back the additional income tax you have paid on the value of your donation. Therefore as a 45% tax-payer, a gift to the School of £1,000 will cost you £550. For more information about tax efficient giving, please click here.
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