What is a Giving Day?

Giving Day is a 36-hour celebration and fundraising challenge for the whole West Buckland School (WBS) community, including alumni, parents and friends throughout the world, inviting everyone to give what they can online through this dedicated platform.

Alumni, parents, students and staff will be taking place in the annual Exmoor Run sponsored by friends, family and companies. We shall be sharing the events of the Tiny Exmoor, Mini Exmoor and the Exmoor Run on our WBS Giving Day website and through social media and emails.

With tens of thousands of pounds to unlock in matched and challenge funding, it’s a day like no other and your gift will go even further than usual. It will be a transformational day of giving and it’s all about what we can achieve together. This year’s Giving Day will take place on 20th - 21st March 2024. We’re excited for you to join us! 

Why is a Giving Day different to any other day?

Gifts made during this period will go even further than usual. Thanks to very generous Old West Bucklanders, all donation and challenges up to £40,000 will be matched pound for pound.

What difference will my donation make?

You can choose for your gift to either help change lives for bright and able children from all backgrounds who deserve a chance to shine at WBS, or to help fund additional facilities for outdoor education at WBS such as enhancements to the Prep’s Forest School and the Senior School’s outdoor leadership course.

All gifts, of every size, will make a real difference. With thousands to unlock in matched and challenge funds, gifts go even further than usual. All gifts, of whatever size, add up and make a significant difference. Having a large number of donors encourages others to support us too, so we would love as many members of our community to participate in our Giving Day as possible. 

Where will the funds go?

Every penny raised goes directly to support children through means-tested bursaries at WBS and to develop outdoor learning provisions.  

Whatever size of gift you feel comfortable with, it’s your participation that matters most. 

How can I make my gift?

We’d love you to join in on 20th – 21st March 2024, but we understand that your schedule might not allow you to participate during the Giving Day itself.  

There are several ways to make your gift, whether you’d like to give on the day or before it:  

Early donations online through our Giving Day platform from 21st February 2024

During the Giving Day (20-21 March 2024) 

Online: through our Giving Day platform

In person: by card in the Foundation & Alumni Office

By post: Cheques made out to West Buckland School Foundation can be sent to Cassie Jones, West Buckland School Foundation, West Buckland School, Barnstaple, Devon, EX32 0SX

Before the day: If you would like to make an early gift to our Giving Day, the best way to do this is through the ‘Give Early’ option on the platform.  

If you cannot give online, you can still give early by post (see above). Please be sure to indicate that your gift should support our Giving Day and note which cause you would like to support, as well as which of the four houses you are supporting in their fundraising.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. All payments through our Giving Day website will be securely processed by a secure, off-site payment processor called Stripe www.stripe.com/gb/privacy 

Why is my payment not going through?

We’re sorry that you’re having difficulty making your gift. Common errors include: 

Incorrect card details 

Postcode is incorrect or doesn’t match the address linked to your card 

Please double-check the above before you contact us.  

If you continue to have problems making your gift, please email us at  foundation@westbuckland.com or call +44 1598 760188   

Is there a minimum donation?

The minimum online gift amount is £1.   

Can I claim Gift Aid on this donation?

Yes! If you are a UK taxpayer and have paid as much Income Tax and/or Capital Gains tax as the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year, West Buckland School Foundation can reclaim the basic tax rate (25%) on your gift, with no extra cost to you. So, for example, your donation of £100 will be worth £125. 

How can I spread the word?

Your support will make a huge difference to West Buckland School’s Giving Day 2024. Post about our Giving Day using the hashtag #WBSGivingDay on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - and don’t forget to tag us! Make sure to tell your friends about this exciting way to get involved and make a difference. 

My question hasn't been answered. How can I get in touch?

Feel free to get in touch with Cassie at Foundation@westbuckland.com or call +44 1598 760188. 

West Buckland School Foundation Charity Number 1096487