Frequently Asked Questions

The Soroptimist International Foundation was established in March 2021 via a Declaration of Trust and gained Charitable Status in June 2021.The Trustee is SI (Soroptimist International) Ltd, and the Soroptimist International Board exercises and holds the Trustee function.

As a charity, Soroptimist International will receive the following benefits:

• Certain tax exemptions

• Do not pay corporation tax

• Special treatment re: VAT (Value Added Tax)

• Can apply for grants from public grant-making trusts and local government

• Can reclaim gift aid on donations from UK taxpayers.

• Assurance to the public that the Foundation is being monitored by the Charity Commission.

The Soroptimist International Foundation can apply for grant funding and receive donations from outside our membership without incurring taxes on those donations. Clubs, Regions, National Associations, Countries and Federations can propose projects for funding that meets the Objects of the Soroptimist International Foundation.

Soroptimist International Foundation will collect donations from the 5 Member Federations and outside our membership and will make grants to providers that educate, empower and enable all women and girls. Projects and programmes will be funded in countries to improve the lives of all women and girls.

Through the money raised, the projects funded, over the next 5 years, will focus on the following three Soroptimist International Objectives:

• The advancement of education
• The relief and/or prevention of poverty
• The advancement of human rights, peace, equality and diversity

Projects will range from short-term, to medium-term and longer-term.

The Soroptimist International Foundation Day will be 10 December (Human Rights Day or the International Soroptimist Day) to encourage others worldwide to raise funds and donate them to the Soroptimist International Foundation.

A “Call” will go out requesting Projects in the three focus areas. Once a project is submitted, Soroptimist International will issue an appropriate application form to be completed and returned to SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL HQ. All projects will be selected using the Due Diligence Policy, similar to projects selected for the Soroptimist International President’s Appeal.

The Soroptimist International Foundation Committee will ‘score’ the application against the project criteria and the Soroptimist International Due Diligence Policy.The Committee will make a recommendation to the Soroptimist International Board based on the outcome of the scoring process.

• Donations can be made through the Federations, by Members, Clubs, Regions, National Associations and Countries.
• Fundraisers can be held by Members, Clubs, Regions, National Associations and Countries to donate and support Soroptimist International Foundation projects.
• Legacies can be made.
• UK taxpayers can opt for their donation to be included in the Gift Aid scheme.
• Recommend a fundraising idea, grant application, or similar to the Soroptimist International Foundation Committee.

As you do now and via the Federation

Yes. If you are all set and need the wording for your Will, please ensure to include our full name and details: “Soroptimist International Foundation, a Charity registered in England and Wales with number 1194895 whose registered office is Soroptimist International (Si) Ltd, 8a Romsey Terrace, Cambridge, CB1 3NH.”

Please advise us if you decide to leave a legacy so we can thank you!

Legacy funds can be either restricted or unrestricted. However, unrestricted donations are encouraged which will allow the Soroptimist International Foundation to fund all projects selected. See our Legacy Policy at soroptimistinternational.org/si-foundation for further details.

Yes. Money and investments given to specific projects must meet Soroptimist International objectives and will be ring-fenced for the intended purpose. Some restrictions may apply and will need to be checked by the Charity Commission before accepting.

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