Payroll giving

A lifeguard and an RNLI crew volunteer in full ILB kit and helmet are walking along a beach away from the camera.

What is payroll giving?

The RNLI needs regular support to train and equip our volunteer lifeboat crews and lifeguards. Can you help us by donating a small amount from your pay?

Payroll giving is a simple, tax efficient method of donating to the RNLI through your salary. If you are a UK taxpayer, every payday your chosen donation amount is deducted by your employer and sent to the RNLI.

Your donation is taken before tax so, for every £1 you donate, 80p (60p for a higher rate tax payer) is the actual cost to you and HM Revenue & Customs pays the rest.

Can you give an hour’s worth of your salary a month? Use the calculator below to workout your hourly pay.

How much do you earn a year? £

Please do not use commas and decimal places.

What you earn per hour: £

You donate: £

The taxman donates: £


£6.80 a month over a year along with gift aid pays for a full RNLI lifeguard wetsuit. Each wetsuit is handmade, with ultra stretch material through the arms and shoulders to cope with the hard wear they'll get rescue after rescue.	£10.00 a month for a year with gift aid pays for a thermal suit to keep one of our lifeboat crew warm while out in the elements.	£15.00 a month for a year will protect a crew member's head with a safety helmet.

Why set up a payroll giving scheme?

Setting up payroll giving is an excellent way for your company to demonstrate commitment to the causes that your employees care about. This simple method of giving can aid recruitment and retention by boosting morale.

Match it!

Employers can also match their employees’ donations. This demonstrates additional support for your employees’ favourite charities. Matching donations do not incur administration fees and they can be charged against profits as a charitable donation.

Payroll Giving Quality Mark awards

The UK government funds this award scheme. It recognises and rewards organisations for encouraging staff to donate through payroll giving. There are three levels of achievement: bronze, silver and gold. For more information, go to the Payroll giving centre.

How do we set up payroll giving?

To set up the scheme you will need to contact a payroll giving agency. For advice on this please call: 0845 121 4999 or fill out our online enquiry form.

Payroll giving and the Roman Group

In September 2007 the Roman Group invited the RNLI to hold a payroll giving presentation at their Bournemouth head office. Two members of the Corporate Partnerships Team talked to small groups of staff about the lifesaving charity. They confirmed why regular donations are vital and explained how these donations help provide lifeguards on beaches; train and equip volunteer lifeboat crews and run important educational programmes on sea safety for children and adults.

Tony Baker, The Roman Group Director says: 'Setting up the scheme and holding the promotion couldn't have been easier. Our staff members were very interested to hear about the lifesaving work of the RNLI and I know the charity was very grateful for the number of supporters who signed up to the scheme. I would have no hesitation in recommending other companies to set up payroll giving'.

Over 12% of staff signed up to the scheme, making The Roman Group a Gold Award winner.

Can anyone donate to charity via payroll giving?

Anyone who is paid by an employer and has PAYE deducted from their pay can donate through payroll giving.

Can I give to more than one charity?

One of the benefits of payroll giving is that you can support more than one charity but with only one deduction from your pay. Search the Charity Commission website for a list of charities.

What is the minimum donation I can give?

There is no minimum or maximum limit; however, it is recommended that you give at least £5 per month (costing you £4 if you are a standard rate tax payer or £3 if you are a higher rate tax payer).

How have you worked out my donation?

To work out your hourly pay our calculator works out, based on your salary entered, how much will be paid by you and how much the taxman will contribute. We have made the following assumption – you work a 7.4 hour day, 252 days a year.

Can I change my donation?

Your donation can be changed at any time by completing our online form.

What happens if my circumstances change?

You can stop your donation any time; inform your payroll department, and if possible, let us know too.

If you change employer you will need to complete a new form.

If you prefer not to receive any communications from us, or change your address, please let us know.

Call our Supporter Care Team on 0845 121 4999 or fill out our online enquiry form.

When will my donation reach my chosen charity?

Your charitable donation is deducted by your employer in month 1. This will show on your payslip. Your employer will have a contract with a payroll giving agency (PGA) that handles all the monies donated through the scheme. They are regulated by HM Revenue & Customs. The donations are passed to the PGA in month 2. The monies are transferred electronically to all nominated charities towards the end of month 3, and every month thereafter.

How can I check my employer operates the scheme?

Speak to your payroll department. Why not ask if they will match your donations too? Click on the tab above 'Payroll giving for employers' for more information.

About us

The RNLI is an independent charity, funded by voluntary donations. We could not save lives at sea without your support.

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The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland | RNLI (Trading) Ltd - 01073377, RNLI (Sales) Ltd - 2202240, RNLI (Enterprises) Ltd - 1784500 and RNLI College Ltd - 7705470 are all companies registered at West Quay Road, Poole BH15 1HZ. Images & copyright © RNLI 2012.