FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All you need to know about The Perse Giving Day!

What is Perse Giving Day?

Perse Giving Day 2024 is a 36-hour online fundraising event where the entire Perse community is invited to get involved to raise money for the School’s bursaries and community partnership programmes.

Bursaries (school fee support) transform the lives of talented young people who could not otherwise afford to attend The Perse. Our community partnership programme provides enrichment opportunities to children from local state-maintained schools. Any gift, of any size, will make a difference and will encourage others to get involved too. Whatever you can give is greatly appreciated.

Why is Perse Giving Day 36 hours long?

The Perse community is global. To make sure everybody has the chance to get involved, the campaign will run for 36 hours.

Why should I give?

Thanks to the generosity of several supporters, your gift for this campaign will have an even bigger impact. Fundraising challenges and matched funding will make your gift go even further.

How can I help?

As well as making a donation, you can help make Perse Giving Day a success by spreading the word. Post about Giving Day on social media using the hashtags #PerseGivingDay2024. Don’t forget to tag @OldPerseans and @ThePerseSchool, and to tell your friends so they can get involved too.

Want to make an even bigger difference? You can also sign up to be an ambassador.

Who will benefit from my gift?

Donating to our bursary fund will transform students’ lives. Financial support packages for school fees (bursaries) are awarded to several pupils at The Perse on a means-tested basis, with annual assessments undertaken on our behalf by an independent company, Bursary Administration Limited.

The exact number of pupils supported varies each year, but in recent years has been between 90 – 110 pupils. Regardless of financial background, entrance bursaries enable talented young people to receive an excellent education. Learn more here.

What is the Community Partnerships Programme?

The Community Partnerships Programme gives access to elements of a Perse education to a wider group of children. The Perse has developed relationships with many local state-maintained schools where staff and pupils share their expertise and experience in a range of subjects..

As well as benefiting children in our partner schools, Perse students learn the importance of selfless service, develop a sense of social responsibility and gain important insights into society. Learn more here.

How can I give?

You can donate early by clicking on the ‘Give Early’ button and filling out your payment details. Should you wish to give by cheque, you can do so (payable to ‘The Perse School’).

During the Day, you can make a donation via this website. Please make sure to let us know about your gift so it can be added to the Giving Day total.

If you have any questions, please contact us by email at perseADO@perse.co.uk, or by telephone at 01223 403808.

Can I give early?

Yes! You can donate early by clicking on the ‘Give Early’ button and filling out your payment details. Should you wish to give by cheque, you can do so (payable to ‘The Perse School’). Please make sure to let us know about your gift so it can be added to the Giving Day total.

I want to donate to something other than bursaries and partnerships. What are my options?

If you would like to donate to Perse Giving Day, but do not have a preference for how your gift will be used, you can select ‘Where it's needed most’ on the giving form.

If you would like to donate to any other aspect of The Perse which is not mentioned here, we would be more than happy to discuss your options with you. Please contact us by email atat perseADO@perse.co.uk, or by telephone at 01223 403808.

Is online card payment secure?

Yes. We are using Stripe as our payment processor. Stripe is secure and all data is encrypted. You can read more about Stripe security here.

Can I claim tax relief on my donation?

If you are a UK taxpayer, please remember to Gift Aid your donation on our giving form to make your generosity go even further. If you pay tax at a higher rate and Gift Aid your gift to The Perse, you can claim tax relief in your Self-Assessment tax return. The Perse School is a Registered Charity no.1120654.

I live in the USA. Can I give tax-effectively?

Donors living in the USA can donate to The Perse School and qualify for a US tax deduction by donating through the British Schools and Universities Foundation, Inc (BSUF). The Perse is registered with the BSUF, which is a charitable organisation recognised by the US Internal Revenue Service under Section 501 (c) (3). When asked to indicate the name of the Approved Institution you would like to benefit from your gift, please enter the words: ‘The Perse School Cambridge’. If you give today through the BSUF, please let us know so we can add this to the Giving Day total.

Can I give to The Perse in my will?

Leaving a gift to The Perse in your will is one of the most powerful ways you can support the School. For more information on legacy gifts, or to discuss your specific wishes in more detail, please contact Erin Charles, Head of Development, in confidence on (+44) 01223 403838 or echarles@perse.co.uk.

I am having trouble making a gift on the Perse Giving Day site. What should I do?

If you are having trouble making a gift via the giving form, please get in touch with us by telephone on +44(0)1223 403808 and we will work to ensure that your gift is processed successfully.

How can I get in touch?

We would love to talk to you more about Perse Giving Day! Please call us at 01223 403808 or email us at perseADO@perse.co.uk.