About Red Nose Day
What is Red Nose Day?
Red Nose Day is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief every two years. On Red Nose Day everyone is encouraged to cast inhibitions aside, put on a Red Nose and Do Something Funny for Money – celebrities included!
It culminates in a night of cutting edge comedy and moving documentary films on BBC One. Red Nose Day unites the entire nation in trying to make a difference to the lives of thousands of people across Africa and the UK who are facing terrible injustice or living in desperate poverty.
What is the date of Red Nose Day 2011?
Friday 18th March is Red Nose Day.
Fundraising
Is it too late to get involved in Red Nose Day 2011?
It’s not too late to get involved in Red Nose Day 2011, we have tons of ways that you can still Do Something Funny for Money. Our Fundraise Section will get your fundraising off to a flying start with lots of quick and easy ideas on how to take part in the fun, raise cash and change lives here in the UK and across Africa.
How do I get a Red Nose Day 2011 Fundraising Kit?
You can download our free Fundraising Kit online here. You can also download a Kids Fundraising Kit by clicking here.
What’s in the Fundraising Kit?
The Fundraising Kit download has got everything you need to raise lots of money for Red Nose Day 2011. This includes a fundraising guide, a sponsorship form, an event poster and a sweepstake poster. You can download it here.
Where can I get hold of collection buckets and do I need a licence?
As we try to keep our costs as low as possible, we don't produce tins and buckets, but our friends at Tallai Charity Supplies will be selling branded collection buckets and tins at charitysupplies.com. Please refer to the legal section for our Fundraising Do’s and Don'ts.
We don’t advise that you collect money in a public place or door to door. If you do choose to do so however, you will need a license from your local authority and should be able to find details about this on your local authority’s website.
For more information, check out the Institute of Fundraising’s best practice for collections here.
Can I use a Red Nose Day Logo for my fundraising event?
We have developed a ‘Fundraising for Red Nose Day 2011’ logo just for you and you can download a JPEG of it here. You’ll need to use the logo in accordance with the logo guidelines found here.
How do I get my event in the press or on TV?
You can download and customise your own press release , and contact your local press directly asking them to cover your event.
The BBC has full editorial control over what’s shown on the TV and don't tend to do live outside broadcasts of events, or show many clips of people fundraising on the day. We would, however, love to hear about your fundraising efforts so please email us on fundraising@rednoseday.com with photos and info about your event or activity.
Alternatively you can upload your own photos to our photo showcase.
Are there any legal dos and don’ts I should consider?
There are, yes. For example, we wouldn’t recommend you doing a Billy Connolly and running around Piccadilly Circus stark raving naked! For handy advice on keeping your event safe and legal, please go to Fundraising Dos and Don't.
Do I need to register my event?
We don’t require people to register fundraising events with us as all activities need to be organised, hosted and supervised by the person putting on the activity. Therefore, it is up to you to ensure that your activity is safe, legal...and fun! Please have a look at our Fundraising Do's and Dont's for more advice.
What is a fundraising agreement and do I need one?
There are certain circumstances where the law requires you to have a fundraising agreement with us. Have a look at the points below and, if any of them are relevant to your fundraising activity, then please email fundraising@rednoseday.com and we’ll send you an agreement to fill in.
You will need an agreement if:
- You are raising money for Comic Relief in the course of a business; or
- You are deducting costs from the money you raise for Comic Relief; or
- The money you raise will be split between Comic Relief and another charity.
If you are neither raising money in the course of a business nor making any deductions, and you are giving all money raised to Comic Relief then you do not need a fundraising agreement. If you’re not sure whether you need an agreement, or you would like an agreement anyway (for example if your local authority requires it), then please contact us.
How can I pay in my fundraising money?
There are lots of ways you can pay in your money:
- Via your Red Nose Day Giving page if you have one, just log into your Giving Page here
- Online - pay your money in using your credit or debit card by visiting our fundraising paying in page
- At a bank - using the giro slip at the bottom of the sponsorship form in your Fundraising Kit, you can pay in at any high street bank. Fill in your details on the giro slip and pay in your cash, or write a cheque made payable to Red Nose Day 2011.
- By post - send a cheque or postal order, made payable to Red Nose Day 2011, along with your giro slip and sponsorship form if you have one, to Ernst & Young, PO Box 51543, London, SE1 2UG.
- At a post office or building society - just ask to pay into the Red Nose Day account.
Don’t forget to send us your sponsorship form, we’ll be able to claim Gift Aid for any sponsors that have filled in their details and ticked the Gift Aid Box. Please send it to Ernst & Young, PO Bbox 51543, London, SE1 2UG. If you are paying in online, just write down on your sponsorship form the WorldPay reference number, which is sent to you if your transaction is successful. If you’re paying in at the bank, post office or building society please attach a copy of the receipt to the sponsorship form.
How do I receive a Thank You Certificate or receipt for my fundraising?
We'd love to personally thank each and every one of our wonderful supporters for their fantastic efforts, but to keep our costs as low as possible we only send Thank You Certificates if they’re requested. Our thank you certificates act as receipts for our fundraisers so it’s really important that we know how you paid your money in.
There are a number of ways listed below that you can let us know you’d like a Thank You Certificate. Please also be aware that our certificates won’t be posted out until May.
- Fill in your address and tick the 'Thank You Certificate' box on the back of your giro slip, found in your fundraising kit. You can send it with your cheque to Red Nose Day 2011, Ernst & Young, PO Box 51543, London, SE1 2UG.
- If you’re paying in your fundraising money online or over the counter at a bank, Post Office or building society please send your receipt to the same address above (indicating you’d like a certificate), and we promise we’ll send your certificate as soon as we can.
- Email us at fundraising@comicrelief.com with a copy of your receipt and let us know you would like one.
How can I tell you about what I have done for Red Nose Day?
The easiest way to tell us about your Red Nose Day event or activity is to upload your own photos to our photo showcase. Watch out for your photos going live on the showcase early next week.
Alternatively you can just email us on fundraising@comicrelief.com with photos and info about your event or activity. Don’t forget to tell us where you are from and who was involved in your fundraising
Schools And Youth
General:
How can my school get involved in Red Nose Day 2011?
There are plenty of ways both students and staff can get involved in Red Nose Day 2011. Simply head over to www.rednoseday.com/teachers for ideas and inspiration and order your free schools fundraising resource pack while you’re there. It’s got everything your school will need for a successful Red Nose Day 2011.
Can Early Years groups (playgroups, nurseries etc) take part?
Absolutely! There’s a special Early Years activity kit that you can order for free at www.rednoseday.com/earlyyears which is full of great ways to get your little ones involved. We’ve also teamed up with The Gruffalo, who will be adding a little bit of monster magic to our early years resources!
We’re an International/Army School, can we take part?
Definitely! We always get loads of support from our friends overseas!
Army Schools can get free a schools fundraising resource pack which contains everything you need to make Red Nose Day a big success online at www.rednoseday.com/teachers
Do I need to register my event?
Any school or early years group can get involved and there’s no official registration process. Simply order your free schools fundraising resource pack at www.rednoseday.com/teachers or your free Early Years activity kit at www.rednoseday.com/earlyyears
Can youth groups get involved in Red Nose Day 2011?
Yes! Red Nose Day is a fantastic opportunity for youth groups to have fun and raise money. Check out www.rednoseday.com/fundraise/youth-groups to see how youth groups can get involved in Red Nose Day 2011. You will find resources to help organise Red Nose Day in your group, or email us at youthgroups@rednoseday.com to find out more.
How can we let you know what we’re doing for Red Nose Day?
Just drop us an email at schools@rednoseday.com – we’d love to know what you’re up to!
Can someone come and talk at our school?
Thank you so much for your invitation. As much as we’d love to be able to attend every event that’s organised for Red Nose Day, we’re sad to say it really isn’t possible as we don’t have the resources.
We know that it’s thanks to people like you that Red Nose Day is such a success so we’d like to wish you the very best of luck with your fundraising event at school. You rock.
Can a celebrity come to our school?
All of the celebrities that give their time to support Red Nose Day do so for free, and when you add up the TV appearances, media interviews, and everything else they do, that’s often a lot of time. Sadly though, that means we can’t ask them to attend fundraising events as well – but you could always try asking local celebrities who have an interest in supporting your local area. Good luck!
Fundraise:
How can I get Red Noses for my school or early years groups?
Good news for schools! Our exclusive scheme Red Noses for Schools has re-opened. It’s the great way for schools and early years groups to get their hands on Red Noses, find out more here
Please remember though, if you’re ordering Red Noses for early years groups, they’re not suitable for under 3s.
Are there fundraising tools available to help me organise my Red Nose Day event?
Yes! You can order your free schools fundraising resource pack at www.rednoseday.com/teachers or your free Early Years Activity Kit at www.rednoseday.com/earlyyears, they contain everything you need to make Red Nose Day a big success in your school or Early Years Group.
Will we receive a 'Thank You' certificate for fundraising?
Paying your money in online, through the schools or early years paying in page, or using the giro slip in your schools fundraising resource pack or Early Years Activity Kit will ensure that you are automatically sent a Thank You Certificate (which acts as a receipt). We promise we will send your certificate as soon as we can, but please bear with us as there are so many of you lovely people for us to thank!
How do we pay in the money our school has raised?
There are three easy ways to pay in the money your school has raised.
- Online — simply go to www.rednoseday.com/teachers/how-to-pay-your-money-in/pay-your-money-in
- By post — fill in the giro slip (in your schools fundraising resource pack) and post it, along with your cheque made payable to:‘Red Nose Day 2011 (Schools)’, to Red Nose Day 2011 (Schools), Ernst and Young, PO Box 51543, London, SE1 2UG.
- At the bank — fill in the giro slip (in your school fundraising resource pack) and take it, along with your cheque made payable to ‘Red Nose Day 2011 (Schools)', to any bank Remember, the only way to receive a thank you certificate for your fantastic fundraising efforts is to pay in your money online at www.rednoseday.com/teachers/how-to-pay-your-money-in/pay-your-money-in , or with your schools’ giro slip!
How do we pay in the money our early years group has raised?
There are three easy ways to pay in the money your Early Years group has raised.
- Online — simply go to www.rednoseday.com/teachers/how-to-pay-your-money-in/pay-your-money-in.
- By post — fill in the giro slip (in your Early Years Activity Kit) and post it, along with your cheque made payable to: ‘Red Nose Day 2011 (Early Years), to Red Nose Day 2011 (Early Years), Ernst and Young, PO Box 51543, London, SE1 2UG.
- At the bank — fill in the giro slip (in your early years activity kit) and take it, along with your cheque made payable to ‘Red Nose Day 2011 (Early Years)', to any bank.
Remember, the only way to receive a Thank You Certificate for your fantastic fundraising efforts is to pay in your money online at www.rednoseday.com/teachers/how-to-pay-your-money-in/pay-your-money-in , or with your early years’ giro slip!
I’ve ordered fundraising resources for my school/early years group, but they haven’t arrived yet. Should I place another order?
The fundraising packs/kits can take around 10 working days to get to you. If you haven’t received yours 10 working days after your order was placed, please drop us an email at schools@rednoseday.com
How do I collect the money from the students?
Do this in the most convenient way for you. We recommend asking your students to get sponsored, or organise an event where everyone pays to participate – like a talent show or cake sale. You can collect the money a number of ways: you could have a collection bucket at reception or ask the class rep to collect it in during registration (always make sure an adult supervises the collection and that the money is kept safe until it’s paid in). You can download sponsorship forms from www.rednoseday.com/teachers
Red Noses for Schools:
What is Red Noses for Schools?
Red Noses for Schools is an exclusive scheme designed just for schools and early years groups. It means that you can buy boxes of Red Noses to sell in your school or group, paying just £18 per box now – that’s 30p per Red Nose – and the remaining £42 after Red Nose Day. Each box contains 60 Red Noses with a mix of three monster Red Noses to choose from. It’s one of the easiest and most popular ways to kick off your fundraising activities. Find out more here.
How much does the Red Nose cost through Red Noses for Schools?
Red Noses are £1. In shops you have to pay the whole £1 upfront, but with Red Noses for Schools you pay 30p per Red Nose upfront and the remaining 70p after Red Nose Day, once they’ve been sold. There’s also a charge for processing, postage and packaging.
How much is processing, postage and packaging for Red Noses for Schools?
The processing, postage and packaging costs for Red Noses for Schools are:
1 to 2 boxes: £7
2 to 4 boxes: £10
5 to 6 boxes: £15
7 or more boxes: £18
When do I have to pay the balance?
Please send in the balance as soon as you can after Red Nose Day – after all, the sooner we receive the money, the sooner it can start making a difference. Cheques should be made out to: ‘Red Noses for Schools’ and sent, along with the remittance slip, to Red Nose Day Schools Stuff, FREEPOST NAT 4756, JARROW, NE32 3BR. You can also pay in your fundraising money using the Red Noses for Schools remittance slip.
When will my Red Nose order arrive?
Red Noses for Schools closes on Friday 11th March. Order forms received after these dates may not be processed and cheques will not be cashed. All orders placed by this date should reach you by Red Nose Day on Friday 18th March.
Why can’t I buy badges, t-shirts and car Noses on a deposit-scheme basis?
We really wish we could, but unfortunately, it would simply be too difficult and cost too much for us to run this scheme for products other than the Red Nose. Sorry!
What do we do with any unsold Red Noses?
Red Noses ordered through Red Noses for Schools are non-returnable. Comic Relief cannot afford the financial risk of providing them on a sale-or-return basis and therefore we still need the remaining 70p per Red Nose, for all Red Noses ordered, to be paid. Because of this, it’s important you only order as many Red Noses as your pupils will buy. Any Red Noses you have left over are, of course, your school’s – to do with as you wish.
If I buy Red Noses through the Red Noses for Schools, will they all be the same design?
Each box contains 60 Red Noses and you’ll get a mixture of all three designs.
Website And Social Networking
Can I do a link exchange with you on your Red Nose Day website?
You’re more than welcome to put links to our site on your website, but unfortunately the only links we can put up on the Red Nose Day website itself are those of our Partners.
How can I join the Red Nose Day Facebook page?
It’s very easy – just use the link at the bottom of each page on the Red Nose Day website or go to www.facebook.com/officialrednoseday. You’ll get loads of fun news and info, as well as the chance to write on our wall and meet other Red Nose Day supporters from across the UK and beyond.
Can I put pictures of my fundraising on the Red Nose Day Facebook page?
Yes, please do! We encourage people to put their pictures on our page and share their fundraising stories.
How do I save the date to my calendar?
If you use Outlook, iCal or Thunderbird, you can save the date directly to your calendar by clicking the save the date link. For Outlook and Thunderbird, simply select 'Open' when prompted. For iCal, select 'Save' when prompted.
Why is the Twitter app for my Giving Page not working?
Our Tweet Cheat app that links your Red Nose Day Giving Page with your Twitter account has been switched off as Red Nose Day 2011 has finished.
Red Nose Day Online Giving Pages:
How can I set up a Red Nose Day Giving Page?
Online Giving Pages are a fantastic way to raise money and you can create an extra special one for Red Nose Day 2011 by clicking here. You can also set up a team page if you’re fundraising as a group.
I’m having problems loading pictures onto my fundraising page
It could be that your pictures are too big – they need to be no larger than 300kb (1000kb = 1mb). Try re-sizing them and then uploading them again.
I sponsored someone online but my amount and name is not showing on their fundraising page
When you sponsor someone or pay money into a fundraising page you’re given an option to have your name shown on the public page, which you need to tick. If you didn’t get this option, it’s possible you may have clicked on the ‘Donate’ button instead of going directly to the person's page, in which case you’ll have made a donation to Red Nose Day in general rather than to someone specific. Unfortunately, if this is what’s happened, we’re unable to move the donation to the sponsor page as they are two separate payment accounts.
How do we create a team Red Nose Day Giving Page?
You must have an individual Red Nose Day Giving Page before setting up a team page. Once you’re logged in to your Red Nose Day Giving Page, click on the 'Create a Team' link and you’ll then be able to create a team and invite your team mates to join. If more of your friends would like to join later then they’ll be able to search for your team name on our website. You’ll all be able to see how much you’ve raised individually on your own pages, and how much your team has raised altogether on the team page.
I’ve joined a team, but am listed as ‘Anonymous’ – how can I get my name to appear on the team page?
The names on the team page come from the name you entered when setting up your individual Giving Page.
You need to ensure that your profile is viewable to the public, otherwise your details will remain private and your name will not appear. To do this, choose the ‘Edit your details’ option in the ‘My Profile’ section and tick the ‘Allow the general public to search for me’ box.
Your name should now be entered, your profile should be open to the public and your name should now appear on the team list at the bottom of the page. Please be aware that this now means your page is public and that people will be able to search for your page.
Augmented Reality
What is augmented reality?
Augmented Reality (sometimes referred to simply as AR) is where your computer takes the image from your webcam and then superimposes graphics onto it. In our case, it’s the monster Red Noses!
Why doesn't it work on my computer?
First off, you will need a webcam. If you’ve got one (and it’s turned on) and the application still isn’t working, try restarting your internet browser and making sure the Augmented Reality application plugin has been installed correctly. It’s also worth noting that, unfortunately, it’s not compatible with the 'Opera' internet browser.
How do I get Augmented Reality to work?
You just need to install the Augmented Reality Application. Simply click install to start the installation process. It should only take about a minute to download, then, when it’s done, stand in front of the camera and interact!
My webcam is plugged in, but the application says it can't find it.
Make sure there are no other programs running that also use your webcam – such as Skype or MSN Messenger. If there are, close those and then try again.
It doesn't seem to recognise my face.
Make sure your face is lit as evenly as possible with as few shadows as possible. This makes it easier for the application to identify your features.
When I refresh the page it won't load up again.
Try closing the tab (or window) in your browser and then opening up the page again.
I want to share my video on YouTube of Facebook but it's not working.
This could be because your browser is blocking pop-ups from our site. You'll need to change your browser settings so that it allows pop-ups (instructions for this may be different depending on which browser you're using) . When you try to upload again, a message should appear at the top of your screen telling you that a pop-up has been blocked. By clicking this you should be able change your settings. You'll then be able to share your video on YouTube or Facebook.
The Mobile Site
How do I access the Red Nose Day mobile site?
You can get to our mobile site by typing in the address m.rednoseday.com into your phone’s internet browser. You can also get there by typing in www.rednoseday.com – you’ll simply be automatically redirected to the mobile site.
How do I get the full Red Nose Day website on my phone?
Depending on what type of phone you have, you may want to access the full version of our site at www.rednoseday.com as well as our mobile version. To swap between versions, use the ‘Full Site’ link in the footer of our mobile site and the ‘View Mobile Site’ link in the footer of our full site.
TV/Celebrities/The Single
Can you get a TV crew to cover my event?
The BBC has full editorial control over the TV show and they’re already hard at work putting together TV content for Friday 18th March 2011, so unfortunately we can’t make any promises. If you think you’ve got a story that’s worth telling, you can email fundraising@rednoseday.com. You can also tell the world what you're doing to fundraise for Red Nose Day by setting up your own online fundraising page.
Can you get a celebrity to attend my event?
We are incredibly lucky to get so much public support that we are overwhelmed with such requests and can’t possibly fulfil them all. Our celebrities are so busy helping us to promote Red Nose Day by giving interviews, filming and rehearsing for the TV show that they are unable to attend individual fundraisers' events. Have you considered getting in touch with local celebrities or public figures, such as your mayor or MP, who might be able to come along? Contact your local council or media to find out how you might get in touch with these people.
Is it possible for me to come and present a cheque on TV?
Thank you so much for the money you’ve raised for Red Nose Day 2011.
The BBC has full editorial control over the content of the TV show. There are only usually four or five cheque presentations during the TV show over the whole night as most of the time is taken up by entertainment and information about where the money you raise goes. We’ve already allocated these slots to our corporate partners who sponsor the campaign. We really appreciate the money you raise and the efforts you have made in supporting us – we couldn't do it without you and you continually inspire us. Thank you.
Can I get tickets for the show?
The BBC is responsible for allocating tickets to the TV show – they do get a large number of requests though, so good luck! For details on how to apply, contact BBC Studio Audiences at www.bbc.co.uk/tickets
When is the Red Nose Day 2011 show on?
This year’s Red Nose Day Night is on Friday 18 March, from 7pm – late on BBC One and BBC Two.
Merchandise, Companies & The Online Shop
The Basics:
How much do the Red Nose Day 2011 products cost?
You’ll be able to find all the info you need in our online shop
Which companies are partners for Red Nose Day 2011?
Visit www.rednoseday.com/about/partners for more information about our partners.
I’m from a company and want to work with Red Nose Day 2011, how can I find out more?
Please email our Corporate Fundraising Team at partners@comicrelief.com and they will get in touch with you about some brilliant opportunities.
Keeping In Touch
Can you send me updates about what’s happening for Red Nose Day 2011?
We can't wait to send you funny ideas and tools to help you raise buckets of cash and have a brilliant time! Sign up for our regular emails by going to www.rednoseday.com/email-sign-up and we'll send you all the latest Red Nose News hot off the press. We'll also show you how the money you raised last year has helped to change lives.
Please can you take me off the mailing list?
Of course we will, just email fundraising@rednoseday.com to let us know.
The Need
Where does the money raised through Red Nose Day 2011 go?
The money you raise this Red Nose Day will help people living unimaginably tough lives across both the UK and Africa.
Where does money go in the UK?
We fund work all over the UK to reach the most vulnerable people from all parts of the country. For a more in-depth look at where your money goes in the UK, please have a look at our project map.
Where does the money go in Africa?
The money you raise will help to give people living in poverty across Africa a better chance in life. For a more in-depth look at where your money is spent in Africa, visit our ‘How We Help’ section on the Comic Relief website.
How can my organisation apply for a grant?
Please visit www.comicrelief.com to find online guidelines for both UK and international programmes and application forms.
How much of the money I raise or donate will go to those who need it?
In order to run itself in a professional and effective way Comic Relief incurs necessary significant costs. Raising funds, making grants and organisational overheads cost real money.
Despite these costs, Comic Relief is still able to promise that for every pound the charity gets directly from the public a pound goes to helping transform the lives of people living with poverty and social injustice. If Red Nose Day raises £60 million, Comic Relief will spend at least £60 million doing just that.
It can make this promise because its operating budget is covered in cash or in kind from all types of supporters like corporate sponsors and donors, suppliers, generous individuals and government (including Gift Aid) as well as from investment income and interest.
Donations
How can I make a personal donation for Red Nose Day 2011?
There are lots of ways you can make your donation; the easiest way is to pay in online here
You can also pay in using the following methods:
At any bank - Red Nose Day 2011 giro slips will also be available behind the counter at most bank branches from March 14th 2011.
By post - send a cheque or postal order, made payable to: Red Nose Day 2011, to Red Nose Day 2011, Ernst & Young, PO box 51543, London SE1 2UG.
On the phone - use your debit or credit card to make a donation via the Red Nose Day donation line – just call 03457 910 910.*
*Standard geographic charges from landlines and mobiles will apply.
Post Office/building societies - just ask to pay your money into the Red Nose Day account.
How can I donate from my CAF account?
To use your CAF card to donate online, go to the CAF website at www.cafonline.org, and make a donation to ‘Comic Relief (Red Nose Day)’. Unfortunately we’re unable to accept CAF card payments directly on our website or through the automated donation line.
Alternatively, you can send a CAF cheque, made payable to 'Red Nose Day 2011' to: Red Nose Day 2011, Ernst & Young, PO Box 51543, London, SE1 2UG.
On the night of Red Nose Day, Friday 18 March 2011 all the live Call Centres will accept donations from CAF cards.
How can I pay in money from abroad?
You can make a payment by writing us a cheque (preferably in £ sterling) made payable to Red Nose Day 2011 and sending it to the following address: Comic Relief, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP, United Kingdom. Alternatively, go to www.rednoseday.com and donate online – we accept £ sterling, US$, Euros and Aus$. If you’d rather make a bank transfer, please email us for details at fundraising@comicrelief.com
I have a bag full of small change. What shall I do with it?
Count it, bag it and then take it to any high street bank, post office or building society and ask to pay your money into the Red Nose Day 2011 account. Thank you!
I’ve collected some foreign currency. What shall I do with it?
Banks and building societies will only accept £ sterling. If you have a bank account, you could pay the foreign currency into that and then write a cheque to Red Nose Day 2011.
I know that my employer operates a matched giving scheme. What can I do to get them to match my donation?
Ask your employer for a matched giving form and send it to Red Nose Day 2011, Ernst and Young, PO Box 51543, London SE1 2UG along with your cheque. If you’ve already paid your money into a bank, just send the bank giro stub/receipt, together with the matched giving form, to Ernst & Young at the above address.
Can I set up a standing order for Comic Relief?
Thank you so much for considering donating to Comic Relief on a regular basis. Please email our fundraising team on fundraising@comicrelief.com and request a ‘regular giving form’. Alternatively you can write to us at Comic Relief, Marketing Team, 1st Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP. Remember to let us know your address though! Thank you!
Gift Aid
What is Gift Aid and how can it mean more money for Comic Relief?
If you pay UK tax and let us know, the Government will give Comic Relief at least 25% on top of your donation. It won’t cost you a penny - all you need to do is tick the Gift Aid box on your Red Nose Day 2011 giro slip, or online sponsorship page, or tell us you want to ‘Gift Aid it’ when you donate online or over the phone. To say Yes to Gift Aid, you will need to have paid UK tax in the current tax year that’s at least equal to the 25% we will claim. We also need your full name and home address. In addition, following the 2008 Budget, the Government will pay Transitional Relief of 3 pence on every pound for every Gift Aid donation made from 6th April 2008 until 5th April 2011. This means that we can claim in total an extra 28% on top of your donation if you Gift Aid it.
Gift Aid - How does it work?
Gift Aid is surprisingly easy. It can apply to personal donations of any amount, large or small, by cash, cheque, postal order, debit or credit card or even in a foreign currency (including the Euro). If you are a UK taxpayer, all you have to do is give Comic Relief a simple Gift Aid declaration. If does not however apply to CAF cards (as the tax has already been reclaimed in this case).
What’s a Gift Aid declaration?
If you make a personal donation to us during Red Nose Day, you’ll be asked to declare whether or not you’d like us to claim Gift Aid. This will be in one of the following ways:
1. By ticking the appropriate box on your Red Nose Day giro slip (when paying in your money at a bank or if it’s sent to Ernst & Young).
2. By ticking the Gift Aid box on the online donation page.
3. By asking your sponsors to tick the Gift Aid box on your sponsorship form.
4. By saying Yes to the Gift Aid question whilst donating via the phone.
This declaration confirms that you’ve paid UK tax in the current tax year that’s at least equal to the Gift Aid we will claim. You’ll also be asked to give us your full name and home address – without this we can’t claim Gift Aid.
How can I be sure my donation qualifies for Gift Aid?
By ticking the Gift Aid box, you’re declaring that you’re a UK taxpayer (in the current tax year) and that you’ve paid (or are going to pay) the Government more tax throughout that year than we’re claiming back. So, for example, if you’ve donated £10 and have indicated that you’d like us to claim the tax back, we can claim £2.50 from HM Revenue & Customs. You must, therefore, be sure that you’ve paid (or will pay) more than £2.50 in income or Capital Gains tax to the Government for that tax year. This is because the Government cannot give back to us money you've already paid in taxes if, in fact, it turns out that you haven't actually paid any!
Where can I get further information on Gift Aid?
You can visit the Inland Revenue website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals/giving/gift-aid.htm or, alternatively, contact your local Tax Office.
Volunteering/Working For Sport Relief/Comic Relief
How can I volunteer to help on Red Nose Day 2011?
Our staff and regular volunteers work through the evening of Red Nose Day to make it all happen which means that we don’t need any extra help on the night. If, however, you’re interested in volunteering in our office in Vauxhall, Central London, and can spare at least two days a week, we’d love to hear from you! For further information and an application form visit: www.comicrelief.com/jobs/volunteer
Can I volunteer to take calls on the night?
Comic Relief relies upon the generosity of call centres throughout the UK to provide us with telephone lines and volunteers to take donation calls for the night of the TV show. These call centres form part of a massive network built and managed by our telephony partner, BT.
Unfortunately, due to the logistical and security requirements of such an endeavour, Comic Relief is unable to accept the kind offers we receive from individuals wishing to volunteer on the phones. Your offer really is very much appreciated though!
How can I offer my call centre’s services for the night?
If you’d like your call centre to take part in one of our campaigns and could commit to offering a minimum of 70 staffed lines for the duration of our TV show, we’d love to hear from you. Please go to http://www.rednoseday.com/become-a-call-centre for more information, or, drop us an email on callcentres@comicrelief.com
How do I get a job at Comic Relief?
All of our current vacancies are advertised on our website: http://comicrelief.com/jobs so keep an eye on this and follow the instructions of how to apply if you’re interested in any of the roles.
You can be kept up-to-date on new vacancies by signing up for email job alerts at http://jobs.comicrelief.com/register/
Comic Relief
What is Comic Relief?
Comic Relief is a major charity based in the UK which strives to create a just world, free from poverty. Thanks to you, many people are getting the support they need to turn their lives around. For more information on Comic Relief please visit comicrelief.com
Sport Relief
When is the next Sport Relief?
Sport Relief is back in March 2012! For more information on Sport Relief please visit sportrelief.com