Philanthropy and major gifts

Buff-tailed bumble bee

Chris Gomersall/2020VISION

Philanthropy and major gifts

As an independent charity, Dorset Wildlife Trust relies on our members and donors for funding to protect wildlife and wild places and connect people with nature. Philanthropic and major gifts make a substantial difference and can help us to build resilience into our work to combat the climatic and ecological crises.   

A major gift of £5,000 or more will have a significant impact on wildlife conservation right here in Dorset, either as an open, unrestricted contribution, or focussed on a specific project or programme of particular interest to you. 

We have a vision of a Wilder Dorset. We believe a Dorset rich in wildlife, valued and nurtured by everyone will safeguard our natural world for future generations and enable people to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.   

From now until 2030, we have set ourselves two major challenges to address the climate and ecological crises:  

  • Create more space for nature – by 2030 we want to see 30% of land and sea managed for the benefit of nature. Nature has been pushed to the margins for too long. If wildlife is to recover it needs space and that can be in nature reserves, farms, parks, gardens and even road verges.  

  • Inspire and empower people – by 2030 we want to enable 1 in 4 people to take action for nature. For nature to recover, we need significantly more people on nature’s side. Evidence shows us that if 25% of the population – 1 in 4 people – visibly act, we create a social ‘tipping point’, where the majority will follow.  

You can find our full strategy here. 

Would you like to know more about tax-efficient giving?

Every penny you donate to Dorset Wildlife Trust makes a difference for wildlife and wild places. But do you know about the various tax incentives available to generous donors?  

Gift Aid can make your donation go even further for wildlife, allowing Dorset Wildlife Trust to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give, at no additional cost to you. 

By including a gift in your will to Dorset Wildlife Trust, you could reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that you pay. 

Payroll giving allows you to give a percentage of your monthly salary to Dorset Wildlife Trust and receive tax relief on what you give.  

Please note, Dorset Wildlife Trust cannot provide any professional financial advice. If you are considering a tax-efficient gift you should consult your accountant or financial advisor.  

Get in touch 

If you would like to discover more, contact our Fundraising Team who will take the time to understand how you would like to support wildlife conservation and make the necessary arrangements for your gift. Email fundraising@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or call us on 01305 217974. 

What your gift can achieve

Current and previous donors have given nature more space through land acquisitions, such as those at Lyscombe and Wild Woodbury, as well as supporting projects and programmes that protect, champion and save wildlife and wild places.

These are just some of the incredible things that your philanthropic gift can help us to achieve.