Making a gift

Below you will find information on some of the ways you can make a gift to Pembroke. If you have any questions about any aspect of Pembroke's development activities, contact the Development Office by email or by telephone on +44 (0)1223 339079.

Pembroke College is a Registered Charity (No. 1137492) so it is possible (if you pay UK income tax) to boost the value of your donation and reduce your income tax liability at the same time.

Higher Rate and Additional Rate Taxpayers

In April 2010 an Additional Rate of income tax payable by those earning over £150,000 per annum to 50%, with no relief, was introduced.

This has a marked effect on the impact that Gift Aid can have on donations from donors in this tax category. For some time now, it has been possible for higher rate taxpayers to make a further donation of their tax rebate via their self-assessment forms. Under these circumstances, it is possible to demonstrate how a gift of £100 can be worth over £170 to the College:

Through the Gift Aid Scheme the College can reclaim 25p on every £1 donated from Basic Rate taxpayers.

For more information, please contact the Development Office.

Regular Giving

A commitment is undertaken to make annual, quarterly or monthly payments for an agreed number of years normally by Standing Order. Completion of a Donation Form (which should be returned to the Development Director, Pembroke College, Cambridge, CB2 1RF) by a UK taxpayer allows the College to reclaim a sum equal to the basic rate of income tax. (Higher rate taxpayers can also reclaim the difference between the basic (20%) and higher (40%) rate bands.) For example £1,000 per annum pledged for 3 years, will bring £3,750 to the College but only cost a higher-rate taxpayer £2,250.

One-off Gifts

A cash gift of any value can be made by cheque, credit card or bank transfer whenever you like. As with Regular Giving, the completion of a Donation Form (which should be returned to the Development Director, Pembroke College, Cambridge, CB2 1RF) allows the College to reclaim basic rate tax and a higher-rate taxpayer to reclaim the difference between basic and higher rate taxes. For example, a one-off gift of £10,000 will bring £12,500 to the College but only cost a higher-rate taxpayer £7,500.

Make a gift online

No matter where you live, you can make a gift online by credit or debit card. You will be taken to a secure link managed by the Charities' Aid Foundation (CAF) which administers gifts on behalf of the College.

Donating Shares

Recent changes in legislation make this one of the most attractive methods of maximising the benefit to the College and minimising income and capital gains tax liability to the donor. Shares listed or dealt on a recognised stock exchange (UK or foreign), units in authorised unit trusts (and similar foreign collective investments) and shares in OEICs are eligible. Not only are donated shares free of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) the market value can now be set off against your income tax liability. For a higher-rate taxpayer whose CGT annual exemption has already been used up for the year, the incentives are enormous particularly if the value of those shares is substantially greater than at acquisition. For example, donating shares originally purchased for £10,000 which are now worth £25,000 will bring £25,000 to the College, but you will receive income tax relief of up to 50% x £25,000 (£10,000).

For example, donating shares originally purchased for £10,000 which are now worth £25,000 will bring £25,000 to the College, but you will receive income tax relief of up to 50% x £25,000 (£12,500). In addition, by donating them to Pembroke College rather than selling them to fund your donation, you will also save up to 28% x £15,000 (CGT of £4,200). The true cost of your £25,000 donation in this example would therefore be just £8,300. Please note, however, our strong recommendation to consult your financial adviser as the benefits to you will depend upon the capital growth of the shares you intend to donate and your own tax situation.

In addition, by donating them to Pembroke College rather than selling them to fund your donation, you will also save up to 28% x £15,000 (CGT of £4,200). The true cost of your £25,000 donation in this example would therefore be just £10,800. Please note, however, our strong recommendation to consult your financial adviser as the benefits to you will depend upon the capital growth of the shares you intend to donate and your own tax situation.

Payroll Giving

If your employer operates a payroll giving scheme, any donation to Pembroke College is automatically (and anonymously) deducted from your gross salary before you pay tax so higher rate taxpayers need not remember to reclaim relief through self-assessment. For example, if you pay tax at the basic rate and give £25 per month it will cost you £20 (or £15 if you are a higher-rate taxpayer). Your company may also operate a matched-giving programme which will enhance your gift.

Company Giving

The recent streamlining of procedures for reclaiming Corporation Tax on gifts to charities by companies may encourage a company with which you are associated to make a donation to the College. The Company or unincorporated association simply pays a gross figure to Pembroke College and claims tax relief when calculating Corporation Tax. No further tax reclaim by the College is then required.

Transfer of Assets

A gift of a capital asset such as a work of art, collection or other property can be made to the College without any Capital Gains or Inheritance Tax liability being incurred. In addition, no tax would be payable by the College if the value of that asset was subsequently realised.

The College is of course delighted to receive gifts of any nature and of any amount, whether tax-efficient or not.

Giving from Abroad

USA: Tax deductible contributions can be made through Cambridge in America (formerly the American Friends of Cambridge University) and The British Schools and Universities Foundation. When making your donation, you may recommend the allocation of your gift to Pembroke College and you may find that your company offers a matched giving program. Contact us for more information by emailing development@pem.cam.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1223 339079.

If you are subject to tax both in the UK and the USA: Your gift can be simultaneously eligible for tax benefits in both countries by giving through Cambridge in America (UK) Ltd a registered charity in England.

Canada: Tax-efficient gifts can be made via the University of Cambridge to benefit Pembroke College and you may find that your company offers a matched giving program. Contact us for more information by emailing development@pem.cam.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1223 339079.

Residents outside North America should contact the Development Office with questions on tax benefits in your country. Alternatively, donations can be made over the telephone using a credit card. Please call the Development Office on +44 (0)1223 339079 if you would like to donate in this way.

Legacies

The College has substantially benefited in the past from legacies from Alumni and other benefactors. Find out more about leaving a legacy to the College in your will.