Charitable status and our Fundraising Promise

The University of Sheffield is an Exempt Charity, reference X 1089.

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The benefits of our charitable status are:

  • The University can reclaim tax from the Inland Revenue under the Gift Aid scheme, increasing the value of donations from UK taxpayers by an extra 25% of the gift
  • Higher rate taxpayers can also qualify for personal tax deductions on donations made to the University
  • The University pays no income tax and inheritance tax on gifts of money or property it receives. A gift made to the University in a Will reduces the tax payable on the estate
  • A gift of stocks and shares made to the University will reduce the donor's income tax liability, and makes the gift exempt from capital gains tax

What is an exempt charity?

Certain charities are 'exempt' from Charity Commission supervision because they are considered to be adequately supervised by, or accountable to, another authority. Although not subject to Charity Commission jurisdiction, an exempt charity is subject to the legal rules generally applicable to charities.


Our Fundraising Promise

This promise outlines the commitment we make to our donors, supporters and friends by registering with the Fundraising Regulator.

The standards for fundraising are set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice.

We will commit to high standards

  • We will adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice
  • We will monitor fundraisers, volunteers and third parties working with us to raise funds, to ensure that they comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice and with this Promise
  • We will comply with the law as it applies to charities and fundraising
  • We will display the Fundraising Regulator badge on our fundraising material to show we are committed to good practice

We will be clear, honest and open

  • We will tell the truth and we will not exaggerate
  • We will do what we say we are going to do with donations we receive
  • We will be clear about who we are and what we do
  • We will give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift and change a regular donation
  • Where we ask a third party to fundraise on our behalf, we will make this relationship and the financial arrangement transparent
  • We will be able to explain our fundraising costs and show how they are in the best interests of our cause if challenged
  • We will ensure our complaints process is clear and easily accessible
  • We will provide clear and evidence based reasons for our decisions on complaints

We will be respectful

  • We will respect your rights and privacy
  • We will not put undue pressure on you to make a gift. If you do not want to give or wish to cease giving, we will respect your decision
  • We will have a procedure for dealing with people in vulnerable circumstances and it will be available on request
  • Where the law requires, we will get your consent before we contact you to fundraise
  • If you tell us that you don’t want us to contact you in a particular way we will not do so. We will work with the Telephone, Mail and Fundraising Preference Services to ensure that those who choose not to receive specific types of communication don’t have to

We will be fair and reasonable

  • We will treat donors and the public fairly, showing sensitivity and adapting our approach depending on your needs
  • We will take care not to use any images or words that intentionally cause distress or anxiety
  • We will take care not to cause nuisance or disruption to the public

We will be accountable and responsible

  • We will manage our resources responsibly and consider the impact of our fundraising on our donors, supporters and the wider public
  • If you are unhappy with anything we’ve done whilst fundraising, you can contact us to make a complaint. We will listen to feedback and respond appropriately to compliments and criticism we receive
  • We will have a complaints procedure, a copy of which will be available on our website or available on request
  • Our complaints procedure will let you know how to contact the Fundraising Regulator in the event that you feel our response is unsatisfactory
  • We will monitor and record the number of complaints we receive each year and share this data with the Fundraising Regulator on request

Fundraising complaints procedure

In line with our fundraising promise and registration with the Fundraising Regulator we are committed to working with our donors and supporters to make donating as easy, respectful and fulfilling as possible. We appreciate there may be occasions when you want to complain about an aspect of our fundraising and we understand the importance of successfully resolving any issues you may have.

To make a complaint please contact us:

By email: giving@sheffield.ac.uk

By post: Campaigns and Alumni Relations, 40 Victoria Street, Sheffield, S10 2TN

Please make your complaint as soon as possible as it will make it much easier to investigate and resolve. The Fundraising Regulator recommends you should raise the complaint within 12 weeks of the incident happening.

When we receive your complaint we will:

  • Acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days of receiving it
  • A senior member of staff will investigate your complaint
  • Notify you of the outcome of the investigation within 28 days of receiving the complaint and explain you can refer the complaint to the Fundraising Regulator within 2 months if you are not satisfied with the final outcome of your complaint
  • Reflect on the complaint to change and improve our fundraising
  • Log and record complaints in line with the Fundraising Regulators guidance. We will retain the records for at least 24 months