Philanthropy: Frequently asked Questions
Can I donate money to a specific project or support work in a particular part of the world?
Yes. You can choose to support any of our current priority projects, our on-going Individuals at Risk and Human Rights Education programmes, or you can simply ask us to apply your gift where it’s needed most.
If you have a specific interest in protecting and promoting human rights in a certain part of the world, or would like to see your gift used to fund a global campaign, we would be delighted to find the best way for you to invest in human rights.
Please contact our Philanthropy Team by emailing philanthropy@amnesty.org.uk.
How is Amnesty International UK funded?
We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion.
To ensure our independence, we do not seek or accept money from governments or political parties for our work in documenting and campaigning against human rights abuses.
Our funding depends on the contributions of our worldwide membership and fundraising activities.
To safeguard the independence of the organisation, all contributors are strictly controlled by guidelines laid down by the International Council. Find out more about our finances.
How do we spend our money?
The nature of our work means that at Amnesty International UK we need to ensure a maximum number of campaigners working with our Human Rights Defenders to achieve a ‘multiplier effect’ for our human rights work, which in turn means we can create far more pressure than working alone.
Find out more about our finances
How does Amnesty effect change?
Amnesty is based on the belief that individuals working together in international solidarity can bring about real change.
Since 1961 we have made appeals on behalf of thousands of individual victims of human rights abuses and has established a concrete record of achievement over the years
Can I visit a project I support and see the difference I have made?
Yes you can! We want to show you the difference your support can make and are happy to discuss arranging international visits for you to witness our work in action, meet frontline staff and human rights defenders. We will also offer you opportunities to hear from these brave activists during their visits to the UK.
How can I give to Amnesty International?
- Making a one-off donation
- Making a multi-year donation, agreeing a schedule of payments
- Making a gift of bonds, stocks or assets
- Leaving a legacy in your will
If you are an individual UK taxpayer we can claim the tax back on your donation via Gift Aid at no extra cost.
To discuss ways of giving in more detail get in touch with the Philanthropy Team by emailing philanthropy@amnesty.org.uk.
What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a scheme introduced by the Inland Revenue and is one of the simplest and most effective ways of giving to charity. It allows us to reclaim from your donation the basic rate tax you pay as a UK taxpayer. Currently that's an additional 25p for every £1, so a donation of £100,000 could mean we receive £125,000 at no extra cost to you.
If you are a higher rate taxpayer you are also able to reclaim the additional difference yourself through your tax return, or you may choose to donate it back to Amnesty International UK by completing the information on your form. All you have to do is remember to include details of your charitable gifts on your tax form.
For further information contact Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs directly by calling their Gift Aid helpline on 0151 472 6038 or visit hmrc.gov.uk
How do you monitor the impact of your work?
We report on the impact of our work using the Dimensions of Change framework and associated broad indicators. Each campaign is monitored differently according to the milestones we have identified. For some, we recruit external consultants to evaluate campaigns at the end of their lifespan.
Campaign project teams have regular reflection sessions and review and update our campaign and political strategies at regular intervals and after any major external world change.