Platform 51

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Supporters' frequently asked questions

Here are some of the questions we are often asked by our supporters. If the answer to your question is not given here please see our general faqs or contact our supporters' team on 01865 304205 or by email, supporters@platform51.org

Why do you prefer regular donations?

When are direct debit donations collected?

How can I make sure my donations qualify for gift aid?

What information do you send to supporters?

Will you contact me by telephone?

Where does your money come from and how do you spend it?

Why do you prefer regular donations?

Regular donations mean we can plan our work for the future. It helps us keep our administration costs down and it means more of your donation goes directly to our work with young women.  It also gives us the flexibility to use donations immediately wherever they are needed most.

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When are direct debit donations collected?

In order to keep administration costs low, Platform 51 only collects direct debit donations on or around the 5th of every month.  This date seems to suit most of our supporters because it is so close to the start of the month. 

Direct debit donations can be made monthly, quarterly or annually and it’s easy to change the frequency or amount by contacting us on 01865 304205, by email at supporters@platform51.org or writing to us at Supporters’ Team, Platform 51, New Barclay House, 234 Botley Road, Oxford, OX2 OHP.

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How can I make sure my donations qualify for gift aid?

The gift aid scheme means we can claim an extra 25% on your donations at no cost to you.  This includes all donations you have made in the last four years and any donations you may make in the future.

To qualify for gift aid you must have paid UK income tax and/or capital gains tax equal to the tax that will be reclaimed. This is currently 25p for every £1 you give.  Please remember to tell us if your situation changes. .

To sign up for gift aid or to check if you have already done so contact us on 01865 304205 or by email at supporters@platform51.org

For more information visit the gift aid website.

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What information do you send to supporters?

We send a Platform 51 newsletter in the post roughly 3 times a year. This is to keep you informed with how we’re using donations and our work with young women

If you would like to change the number or type of communications that you receive from us please get in touch on 01865 304205 or by email at supporters@platform51.org.

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Will you contact me by telephone?

Platform 51 uses telephone fundraising to communicate with our supporters and to raise funds.

Platform 51 doesn’t have the facilities, staff or resources to make the calls ourselves so we sometimes use a dedicated fundraising agency to make calls on our behalf.  

We recognise that for some supporters the phone may not always be their preferred means of communication and we respect their contact preferences.  If you would prefer not to be contacted by phone please contact us on 01865 304205 or by email at supporters@platform51.org.

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Where does your money come from and how do you spend it?

Out of every £1, we spend 87p on our work with women and girls in our centres and through policy, research and campaigning activities,  2p on support costs and 8p is invested to raise future income.

Where our money comes from:

• 51% - Grants, trusts and foundations
• 33% - Sale of investments
• 16% - Investment income
• 6% - Donations and other income
  

See our annual review for further information.

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