Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RBAI Together Giving Day?

RBAI Together is an opportunity for parents, alumni and friends of RBAI around the world to unite and make a lasting difference to the lives of our pupils.

During this 36 hour online fundraising challenge, from 19-20 April 2023, we are aiming to raise as much as possible to increase our means-tested bursary provision as well as impact on the educational and co-curricular experience of our current pupils through a number of small capital projects which have been nominated by staff.

What difference will my donation make?

RBAI Together will require support form right across the Instonian community to succeed. All gifts, no matter how large or small, will make a tangible difference to our pupils.

Why are school fees not enough to fund bursaries and capital developments?

RBAI is a category B Grammar school. We receive funding towards teaching and learning, however we do not receive any capital support towards the upkeep of the School buildings, classrooms and estate.

The fees paid by parents maintain the upkeep of the buildings and school environment. They also resource an enviable range of co-curricular activities available to all of the pupils; these include cultural, sports and academic.

New developments in the estate require additional funding and borrowing hence the Excellence For All capital campaign (2018-2022) which raised more than £2.8m.

Over the past decade, the Board of Governors have invested more than £9m in the restoration of the main school “Soane” building, the North Wing (which houses history, religious education and politics), whilst transforming the old Technology building into a Centre of Innovation.

Most recently all Science laboratories and the Modern Languages classrooms have been extensively renovated. Upgrades at Inchmarlo Preparatory Department include a new all weather playground and ICT suite.

Each year the Board of Governors provide means tested bursaries for upto 10% of the pupil population, the majority of which are funded through donations received by the RBAI Foundation.

Philanthropy is a critical element of the School’s development plan.

How can I make my gift?

Can I make a gift before the giving day?

Yes! We know that all donors’ schedules may not allow them to participate during the Giving Day itself. You can send your gift by post or make a gift online through the website in advance.

Is my credit card payment secure?

Yes, we use a secure, off-site payment processor called Stripe to process one-off donations and GoCardless to process regular (recurring) direct debit donations.

Is there a minimum or maximum donation I can make?

The minimum online gift amount is £1. There’s no maximum donation, and no limit on the impact you can make.

Can I claim Gift Aid on this donation?

Yes! The Royal Belfast Academical Institution is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (Charity Number 108024).

So long as you have paid as much Income Tax and/or Capital Gains tax as the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all of your donations in that tax year, the school can reclaim the basic tax rate (25%) on your gift, with no extra cost to you. So your donation of £100 will actually be worth £125.

Will my giving day contribution be tax-deductible?

UK: If you’re in the UK and eligible for Gift Aid, RBAI can claim 25% back in tax from your donation. If you’re a Higher Rate Tax Payer (40% and above), you can claim tax back on your charitable donations at the end of the tax year.

US & Canada: Donors in the US can give to the School via the British Schools & Universities Foundation, ensuring they receive a 501c gift receipt; click here. Canadian alumni can benefit from a similar arrangement with CAF Canada; click here.

How can I get in touch?

Please feel free to email any questions to the RBAI Foundation Office via p.anderson@rbai.org.uk or call us on +44 (0)2890 240461.