ICYMI: Your badge, your discount code, your tax relief and more

When you joined CIOF, you probably had a clear idea of why: recognised qualifications, a professional badge to be proud of, or simply the sense of belonging to a community that understands what fundraising involves.

But membership includes a lot more than most people realise, and some of the most useful benefits are sometimes overlooked.

We help people start, grow and stay in fundraising, and that means making sure the practical support is easy to find. Here's a look at some of the benefits that often go unnoticed, so you can get full value from your membership...

1. A proper welcome, right from the start

New members are invited to a welcome webinar designed to help you get the most from your membership from day one. It walks through how to access your benefits, where to find learning resources, and how to get involved with regional and special interest groups. If you joined a while ago and missed it, or you simply want a refresher, it's well worth checking when the next session is running. A few minutes spent getting to know your membership can make life easier later.

2. Claim back up to 40% of your membership fee

If you pay your own membership subscription, you can claim tax relief on it through HMRC, potentially getting back up to 40% of the cost depending on your tax rate. Membership already offers good value, and once you factor in tax relief, that value increases further still.

It's a quick and legitimate benefit that many members simply don't know they're entitled to, and you can backdate a claim for up to four years. If you pay for your own subscription, it's worth taking a few minutes to find out more. To claim, visit gov.uk and use the online expenses service, or include it in your Self Assessment return if you complete one.

3. Your membership badge does more than look good

Every individual member receives a digital membership badge to add to their LinkedIn profile and email signature. It might sound like a small thing, but it does quiet, consistent work to help you build trust.

Public trust in fundraising matters enormously, and for fundraisers who want to be taken seriously, the badge signals that you operate to recognised professional standards.

It's a simple way to showcase your credibility to supporters, colleagues and employers alike, so it's worth taking a moment to download your membership badge if you haven't already.

4. Discounts on courses, masterclasses and qualifications

If you're thinking about developing a specific skill, gaining a qualification, or deepening your knowledge in a particular area, your membership makes that more accessible, whatever your budget or the size of your team. Individual members receive discounts on CIOF's short courses, masterclasses and formal qualifications, including the Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Fundraising.

These courses are designed for fundraisers and taught by people who understand the sector, because building a long term career in fundraising depends on having clear, realistic ways to develop your skills and confidence. Take a look and find your next professional development opportunity.

5. A directory of consultants for when you need extra hands

Sometimes a project needs a specific skill your team doesn't have, or simply an extra pair of hands for a busy period. CIOF's directory of consultants makes it easy to find trusted, experienced fundraising professionals to call on, whether that's for a short piece of specialist work or ongoing support. It's a particularly useful benefit for smaller charities and solo fundraisers who don't always have in-house capacity to draw on.

6. Newsletters that keep you connected to your region and specialism

Alongside our national communications, CIOF's regional and special interest groups send their own newsletters, giving you a more local and specific view of what's happening in your area of work and your part of the country. They're a good way to stay on top of events, opportunities and conversations that are directly relevant to you. If you're not sure which groups you're signed up to, it's worth checking your communication preferences to make sure you're not missing out.

7. Get involved: volunteering opportunities

If you want to get more involved with CIOF beyond your day-to-day membership, there are volunteering opportunities with our national, regional and special interest groups.

Our wonderful volunteers help shape events, share expertise and support other members, and it's a valuable way to build your network, develop new skills and give something back to the profession. Keeping good fundraisers in the sector isn't just about individual careers, it's about people feeling part of something, and volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to do that. Find out more about volunteering and our groups.

Make the most of your membership

Membership is designed to support you at every stage of your career, from the practical and financial to the professional and personal. If any of these benefits are new to you, take a few minutes to explore them properly.

Visit the member portal to check your benefits, update your preferences and find out what else is available to you.

Thank you for being a member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising!

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