Frequently asked questions

Giving Day FAQ

What is UCS Giving Day?

UCS Giving Day is a special 24-hour fundraising event taking place on 1 July 2025, dedicated to supporting the UCS Bursary Award Programme. It brings together the entire UCS community—pupils, parents, Old Gowers, and staff—to raise funds that will provide life-changing bursaries for talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Why does UCS have a Giving Day?

The UCS Bursary Award Programme is vital in ensuring that deserving young people can access a UCS education, regardless of financial circumstances. Giving Day raises awareness and funds to expand these opportunities, allowing more pupils to benefit from the exceptional education and supportive environment at UCS.

Who can participate?

Everyone! We encourage parents, Old Gowers, pupils, staff, and friends of UCS to get involved by donating, spreading the word, and taking part in special activities throughout the day.

How can I donate?

Donating is quick and easy. Visit our Giving Day webpage where you can make a secure online donation. You can also take part in challenges, leave a note for our pupils, and encourage others to contribute.

Where will the funds go?

100% of funds go directly to the Bursary Award programme, helping to support pupils on full or partial bursaries in the Senior School.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. All payments through the givingday.ucs.org.uk website will be securely processed by Stripe and Stripe US.

Why is my payment not going through?

Please check that you have included your postcode in both the address field and the card details field of the gift form. If there is still a problem, you may have to contact your card provider and inform them that the payment is valid.

For any queries, please contact us at development@ucs.org.uk.

Can I see my gift on this website?

Yes! Unless you have made an anonymous gift, you can check the donor wall to see your name.

Is there another way to donate besides online?

Yes, you can contact us at development@ucs.org.uk or call 020 7433 2207, and we’ll be delighted to help you make your gift.

Please note that the phone line may be busy or unavailable on 1 July 2025 due to the activities taking place. We advise making your gift online if possible.

I set up a recurring payment. What will show in the totaliser?

The total of your direct debit payments for the duration of time selected will be reflected in the total raised on the website.

  • If no time frame is selected, the total of 2 years will be shown.

Is there a minimum donation amount?

There is no minimum single gift amount—every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.

However, there is a £5 minimum donation on recurring donations.

Can I make a donation before Giving Day?

Yes! The website will be open from March - August.

If you’d like to donate outside of this period, please contact our Development Office, and we’ll ensure it is counted towards our Giving Day total.

Will my donation be matched?

Yes! We will have matching gift opportunities throughout the day, thanks to generous donors who have pledged to match contributions.

This means your donation could have double the impact!

How can pupils get involved?

Pupils can take part by:
- Signing up for slots as part of the all-school challenge
- Participating in fundraising activities and stalls
- Spreading the word

More details will be shared closer to the event.

What is the all-school activity?

It is a 24-hour activities marathon in the Great Hall.

Pupils can:
- Cycle
- Row
- Run
- Walk
- Play an instrument
- Dance

Each activity lasts for a one-hour slot, and we’ll be filling 24 slots to keep the challenge going for a full 24 hours!

How can I help beyond making a donation?

There are many ways to get involved:

  • 📢 Share our campaign on social media
  • 🤝 Encourage friends and family to donate
  • 🎉 Volunteer at the Giving Day
  • 🎤 Become an ambassador
  • 🚴 Register for an activity slot

Can I add Gift Aid?

Yes! Please check the Gift Aid tick box when making your donation.

This allows UCS to claim an additional 25% on top of your gift, at no extra cost to you.

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes, some gifts are tax-deductible.

Please speak with your tax advisor or accountant for further information.

Who do I contact for more information?

For any questions about Giving Day, please reach out to the UCS Development Office at development@ucs.org.uk.


Join us on 1 July 2025 and be part of something extraordinary! 🎉