Perhaps you would like to consider payroll giving . This allows you to authorise your employer to deduct money from your pay, before tax. It is then paid into a charity card account for you to allocate. The bonus is that from now until March 2003, the Government will add an extra 10 per cent to every donation made in this way. You will need to 'gross up' the amount of the gift accordingly, so that the recipient doesn't miss out.
Some employers operate a matched payroll giving scheme.
For example, if you give 50 a month to church, your employer may give the church a further 50 per month. Cash placed in the offering can also be given tax-effectively, provided you have completed a gift aid declaration and use a special envelope system. Please ask if you would like further details. If you have quoted shares that are liable for capital gains tax, there is another option to consider. If you pass the shares on to a charity, you will be exempt from capital gains tax and you can also claim income tax relief.