Resource

Philanthropy

When you choose to make a significant gift to NRAS, either directly or through a Donor Advised Fund or a Family Trust, you will have a huge impact on the lives of those living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

A vision for change

We represent around 450,000 adults living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We also support thousands of young people and adults living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

We take pride in the fact that everything we stand for and do is patient-led. Our small but dedicated team works closely with healthcare professionals, researchers, and our own advisory boards to deliver high quality, reliable resources.

Read about the impact of past very generous donations to NRAS, in our latest annual review here.

Make a real impact

Major gifts do more than fund programmes — they transform lives. By partnering with NRAS, you can fund:

  • Thousands of Helpline calls, delivering support at a crucial time
  • The building of new educational modules as part of our digital e-learning programme, SMILE
  • The progression towards more digital support solutions, removing barriers of access to support
  • The scale up of our Healthcare Professionals Engagement programme, which will increase referrals to our Right Start service
  • The facilitation of a new local support group or a new digital special interest group
  • Awareness raising campaigns, allowing NRAS to reach more members of the public and provide greater understanding of RA and JIA and the realities of living with these conditions

Make a difference today

Get in touch

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss our vision for the future and explore how you can be a part of it.

Contact our Major Donors Team

Stuart Munday – Chief Operating Officer

stuart@nras.org.uk

01628 823 524 (option 2)

You will join a community of generous supporters who share your passion and vision of a future where everyone with RA and JIA can thrive. We look forward to welcoming you.

How your support can change lives

Tired, in pain and having to fight every step of the way – Michelle’s journey | NRAS

“I became really ill. I was constantly tired, and I couldn’t cook, clean or dress myself properly. My neck became excruciating.”

“On that first Helpline call with Kate, it felt like she had all the time in the world to answer my questions.”

Why partner with NRAS?

We recognise that philanthropy is deeply personal. Our approach is built on transparency, trust, and a shared commitment to our mission. When you choose to donate to NRAS, you aren’t just giving to a cause; you are joining a community dedicated to creating change for those who live with RA and JIA.

As a philanthropic partner, you can expect:

  • Tailored engagement: opportunities to see the direct impact of your gift through project updates.
  • Meaningful connection: invitations to special events where you can meet others who share your passion
  • Recognition: we respect your preferences for recognition, whether you choose to support us publicly or prefer to remain anonymous.

Ways to give

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)

We are delighted to accept donations through Donor Advised Funds, offering donors a flexible and tax-efficient way to contribute towards the work of NRAS.

What is a DAF?
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving account used solely to support charitable causes. Individuals, families or organisations can contribute cash, shares, or other assets into their DAF account and then recommend grants to charities over time.

Want to donate through your DAF?
If you want to support those living with RA and JIA and already hold a Donor Advised Fund, please contact your DAF provider and request that they make a donation to:

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society
Charity Number: 1134859

If you would like to discuss how your gift will be used, we would be pleased to speak with you or a representative from your DAF provider.


Six Key Benefits of Giving Through a DAF
Donating via a DAF is an effective and impactful way to manage your philanthropy. Here are six benefits of giving in this way:

  1. Flexibility: Contribute cash or assets to a timeline that suits you. You control the donation amounts and the number of causes you choose to support.
  2. Tax Efficiency*:
    Gift Aid can be reclaimed on eligible cash gifts
    You may benefit from income and capital gains tax relief
    Plus, legacy gifts to DAFs are exempt from inheritance tax.
  3. Simplified Administration: Your DAF provider handles governance, reporting, and compliance. There are no startup costs beyond your initial investment.
  4. Tax-Free Growth: Funds inside the DAF can be invested, allowing your money to grow tax-free and maximize your long-term impact.
  5. Privacy: DAFs allow you to support your favourite causes anonymously, keeping your personal information private.
  6. Estate Planning: A DAF can be integrated into your long-term estate plans, ensuring that your support for causes like NRAS continues for generations.
    * The information provided here is for general guidance only and does not constitute tax, legal or financial advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change. Donors should seek independent professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser before making decisions relating to tax or charitable giving.

ShareGift

Giving via shares

ShareGift specialises in releasing value locked up in small shareholdings that are otherwise unsellable on their own. As a registered charity, ShareGift grant the resulting proceeds to a wide range of charitable organisations.

They are a unique funder and the only charity in the world with this model.

ShareGift create a pool of charitable funds that otherwise would not exist.

Brokerage fees, indemnity costs and management fees are typically waived by the firms that partner with ShareGift, ensuring more can be given to the charities that ShareGift supports.

You can find out how to donate shares to charity in this way here.