By participating in the recently introduced Gift Aid scheme, charities such as the RNLI can claim back the tax that you’ve paid on every donation you make

As the new tax year commences, individuals considering joining Offshore, the RNLI’s membership for all those who use the sea, are being encouraged to participate in the recently introduced Gift Aid scheme. The scheme allows charities to claim back the tax previously paid by donors on the value of their membership or donation.

This means that a taxpayer’s £48 single Offshore membership could effectively be worth £61.44 to the RNLI. Participating in the scheme costs the member nothing and there is no long-term obligation to donate.

Existing Offshore members who pay tax are also able to participate in the Gift Aid scheme and increase the value of their membership contribution. Members interested in supporting the Gift Aid scheme should contact the RNLI’s Helpdesk on 01202 663234 (open 8.00am – 6.00pm Mon-Fri) for further details.

Over 34,000 sea-users have already recognised that Offshore membership is a responsible way to support the RNLI and current annual membership income stands at over £1.6 million. This income is used to help fund the cost of maintaining the lifeboat service, which currently costs £274,000 a day. From a single membership subscription of £48, £38.40 goes directly to the cause of saving lives at sea; £8.16p is used to continue the fundraising effort and just £1.44 is used for administration.