There are many ways in which you can help the RBGE and make your gift worth more simply by using one of the tax efficient solutions listed below.
Gift Aid
If you pay UK income or capital gains tax, you can significantly increase the value of your gift as the RBGE can re-claim 28% back from the taxman. Do note if you are retired you may still be paying tax on your savings. Further information is available on the HM Revenue and Customs website
Donating shares
Giving shares is a convenient and efficient way to support the RBGE. If you wish to donate shares we can handle all the administration and it will give you exemption from capital gains tax and income tax relief on all your giving.
How to donate your shares
If you would like to donate some shares to the RBGE follow these simple steps:
- Obtain a stock transfer form from the registrar who acts for the company in which you have shares. The name of the registrar will usually be shown at the bottom of your share certificate.
- On the stock transfer form, in the box entitled ‘Full name and postal address of the person to whom the security is transferred', please write:
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR - Complete, sign and date the form as appropriate and send to:
Mike Robinson, Head of Development, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR T: +44 (0)131 248 2944
It is important that you keep copies of the transfer forms for your records and when you do your tax returns.
Minimise Inheritance Tax
Charitable bequests may be exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT), so if you would like your favourite cause to benefit from your estate, please consider leaving a legacy to the Botanics. For more information about IHT, see the HM Revenue and Customs website.
If you have recently inherited money, it is possible to make a Deed of Variation to benefit the Botanics in order to reduce inheritance tax. Click here to find out more.
Give as you earn (GAYE)
Payroll Giving is a simple, efficient and flexible scheme which allows you to donate to any UK registered charity of your choice by a direct deduction from your wage. All donations given in this way are tax effective so the charity receives your donation and the tax you would have paid on this amount.
For a higher rate taxpayer, Payroll Giving is the ONLY way that a charity can automatically receive all your tax on your charitable donation.
For an employer, there is NO COST for our services; we just ask that you allow us the opportunity to promote this employee benefit to your staff.
If you wish to discuss how you and your colleagues can support the Botanics in this way, please contact Mike Robinson, Head of Development on +44 (0) 131 248 2944 or get in touch using the enquiry form.
US tax efficient giving
We are delighted to accept donations from American supporters. To enable US taxpayers to receive tax relief please send your donation with completed donation form directly to The American Fund for Charities, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization who will process your payment:
The American Fund for Charities
c/o Chapel and York Limited
PMB#293
601 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 900, South Building
Washington, DC 20004
Telephone: 202 220 3012
Fax: 202 639 8238
Get in touch
If you would like to speak with us about any form of giving, please contact Mike Robinson, Head of Development on +44 (0) 131 2482944 or by using the enquiry form Alternatively, write to him at: Development Department, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5LR.