NASS relies solely on donations from its members and supporters to carry out the work it does for people affected by ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We do not receive any government funding.

We also know that many companies support and encourage their employees' fundraising efforts in a variety of ways and often at no cost to the employee! Why not find out if your company will support you to fundraise for NASS?

Give as you earn

Various companies operate payroll giving programmes, such as Give As You Earn, that make it easy to donate on a regular basis. Not only is there a tax advantage to the employee as the donation is withdrawn before you pay tax but the company will often match your donation like for like. Ask your payroll supervisor or accounts department if your organisation has set up a payroll giving programme.  If they don't have one there is useful information on how to set one up on the Payroll Centre website at www.payrollgivingcentre.org.uk.

Matched giving

Many companies offer matched funding schemes, matching pound for pound the money you raise through events and activities that you organise such as cake sales, dress down days, sponsored quizzes, marathons, raffle tickets or even your donations. In 2009 Barclays in Oxford match funded the tremendous efforts of 2 employees who organised a BBQ and coffee morning while Veolia Water matched a 'Dress Down Friday' fundraising event.  Allied World Insurance matched an online donation made to NASS by one of its employees.

Ask your company today to support your fundraising for NASS or if you would like to organise an event at work and need some materials or help please get in touch by phone on 020 8948 9117 or by email to Jill Hamilton. Why not enter a work team into one of next year's NASS en Masse challenges?

If your company does not operate a matched giving scheme there is useful information on the Charities Aid Foundation website www.cafonline.org on setting up a scheme.  There are tax advantages too. Companies don't have to pay Corporation Tax on the money they use to match employee giving but more importantly, matched giving boosts morale, encourages team building, raises the company's profile and generates positive PR.

Share Giving

Giving shares is a simple and effective way to support NASS and reduce your tax bill at the same time. If you donate shares to NASS you can get tax relief on your donation and you may also qualify for a reduction on any Capital Gains Tax that may apply. If you would like to donate shares to NASS please contact us on 020 8948 9117 or send an email to Assistant Director, Ingrid van der Weide. We would be delighted to discuss your donation and how to go about it.  However, you will understand that we are not able to offer any financial advice about donating shares.

Charity of the Month or Year & Corporate Donations

Many companies, if they are asked, will often make a corporate donation to support the causes that affect their employees. Working at Height's Managing Director, Ottie Whittle, has been a NASS member for many years and chose NASS as his charity of the year for 2012. Leon Wheeler, through his company, ICC, has donated a laptop for our Christmas Raffle and Amanda Hanley by Design is supporting NASS throughout 2012 by raising awareness of NASS at every opportunity. Every donation makes a big difference to the work we can do for people with AS.

In Kind Support

Some companies may prefer to give your time or their services free of charge rather than make a financial contribution. Volunteering for NASS by way of administrative help would be very welcome and other services that NASS could benefit from include print design and/or production, PR services or corporate give-aways. Please email the Assistant Director, Ingrid van der Weide,  if there is a product or service that your company could offer.