Fundraising for Elmfield
If you are reading this you are probably already connected to our school and Waldorf Education. You may have been a former pupil of Elmfield or part of the extended Waldorf family across the world. Whatever your connection be that parent, grandparent or friend of the school we are all part of a wonderful education that should be considered a gift. However, this gift comes at a financial price which makes accessibility to Waldorf education difficult for some families, this we intend to change.
The Giving Machine
This is the simplest way to raise extra money for our school. All you have to do is shop online as usual at your favourite stores and the school will receive a donation. The only extra step is that you need to go via The Giving Machine website first and then from their site to your online store. (The very first time you use The Giving Machine you will need to sign up which takes less than 5 minutes.) Participating stores include: Amazon, Argos, Sainsbury’s (incl. groceries), John Lewis, Tesco, and Waterstones.
Getting started is easy! Just visit Elmfield’s Giving Machine page and follow the instructions. Please note: If you do not shop via The Giving Machine page each time, then the donation will not be triggered and Elmfield will not receive any money.
When you buy online via The Giving Machine, a sales commission is received from the participating shop. 75% of this is converted into a donation on your behalf and sent to Elmfield. 25% is retained to contribute to costs of maintaining the website and distributing donations (comparable to the UK charities average). If you do not access the online shop via the links on The Giving Machine website, then the donation will not be triggered and Elmfield will not receive any money.
If you need any further information about The Giving Machine you can find it on their FAQs page. Happy shopping!
Other ways to help
Make a pledge or regular donation by Standing Order
Download the Elmfield School Donation form which includes a standing order mandate and a gift aid declaration and return it to the school office.
Donate online
We are in the process of setting up online donations via Virgingiving (the link will be available as soon as this is live). This facility includes a gift-aid tick box and a facility to donate anonymously if you wish. A small commission is taken from the donation to cover the running costs as Virgingiving is a not for profit organisation. Here’s what happens to a £10 donation with Gift Aid added and fees deducted:
Your donation – £10.00
Gift Aid – £2.50
Transaction fee @2% – £0.20
Card processing fee @1.45% – £0.15
Total cost to charity – £0.35
Total donation received by charity – £12.15
Being part of the Elmfield network
Our aim is to reach out from within our community and nurture a philanthropic network. With your support this will encompass our entire community and the wider connections we have in the local community, the arts, local, national and international business. By building a strong network of friends and strengthening our alumni we will increase the opportunities and visibility for Elmfield pupils going into their chosen profession or career. This will in turn bring funding back into the school via a strong alumni. It will take time but a solid foundation is a prerequisite to longevity and success.
Leaving a legacy in your Will
If you are unable to make a donation now, you may prefer to include a gift legacy to Elmfield in your will. Please contact the school via info@elmfield.com to discuss your gift or download the Elmfield School Legacy form.
Giving ethical shares
You may be able to reduce significantly the amount of income tax and capital gains tax you pay if you choose to donate shares or securities. Currently, this means that shares donated attract income tax relief of 100% of their present market value. Donors will be able to claim tax relief at their highest rate of tax, via their Self-Assessment form or Corporation Tax return. In addition, the donated shares will not incur any capital gains liability. We suggest you speak to your financial advisor for specific advice, or contact our fundraiser hadrian.garner@elmfield.com
Fundraising activities
Please visit this page for regular updates on fundraising activities. Every contributor is an important stakeholder.
10 Reasons to Choose Elmfield
“The most important gift I and my children received from a Steiner education is an abiding and life-long interest in the world and how we can work together with our fellow human beings to improve it.”