Frequently asked questions

Cranbrook Gives 2025: What’s New?

Cranbrook Gives 2025 is our school’s annual Giving Day—a 36-hour celebration of generosity, community spirit and making a lasting impact. This year, we’ve streamlined the campaign, making it easier, clearer and more engaging for everyone involved.

📅 Giving Day Dates: 8 AM on Wednesday 26th March – 8 PM on Thursday 27th March

What’s different this year?

Last year, our first-ever Giving Day raised an incredible £18,345 but we learned some valuable lessons. This year, we’re making things even better by:

  • One Unified Campaign – Everything sits under Cranbrook Gives, bringing fundraising and community efforts together
  • A 36-Hour Giving Day – Focused purely on fundraising, with challenges to boost participation
  • No Linked Student Activity – No physical challenge, just a simple and effective way to give
  • Stronger Community Engagement, including:
    • Hockey Masterclass & Tournament – Year 6 students from local primary schools will join our Sports Department for a day of skill-building and competition
    • Staff Football Match vs Benenden – Cranbrook and Benenden staff will take to the pitch to raise funds for Cranbrook Gives
    • Nourish Foodbank Drive – Supporting local families in need
    • Exclusive Dress Rehearsal of FAME – A special performance for elderly and vulnerable community members

Where will the funds go?

Your donation will go directly towards your chosen fund, having a direct impact on the lives of our students. You can also make an unrestricted donation, which will go towards our Area of Greatest Need.

You can choose to support one of three key areas:

  1. Preserving Our History: Celebrating and safeguarding our heritage through initiatives like digitising our school’s history.
  2. Fuelling Our Ambition: Empowering the areas of greatest need to unlock potential and enable excellence in every aspect of school life.
  3. Building Our Future: Strengthening our facilities, infrastructure and ICT to ensure our school thrives for generations to come.

Wherever you choose to give, it’s your participation that matters most.

Is my payment secure?

Yes. All payments through the Cranbrook School website will be securely processed by Stripe and Stripe US

Why is my payment not going through?

Please check that you have included your postcode in both the address field and the card details field of the gift form. If there is still a problem, you may need to contact your card provider to inform them that the payment is valid. For any queries, please contact us at development@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk

Can I see my gift on this website?

Unless you choose to remain anonymous, your donation will be recognised on our Giving Day Donor Wall and potentially in other materials celebrating our supporters.

Is there another way to donate to you other than online?

Yes, you can contact us at development@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk or call +44 (0)1580 711800, and we’ll be delighted to help you make your gift.

I still have questions. How can I get in touch?

Feel free to email us at development@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk or call +44 (0)1580 711800

Is there a minimum donation?

There is no minimum donation amount – any contribution, large or small, makes a significant impact.

How can I give my gift?

You can give your gift in several ways:

  • Online: Through the Cranbrook School Giving Day website.
  • By phone: Call us on +44 (0)1580 711800.
  • By mail: Send a cheque payable to "Cranbrook School Trust" to our office address.

Is my donation tax-deductible or eligible for Gift Aid?

Yes, if you are a UK taxpayer, you can boost your donation by 25% at no extra cost through Gift Aid. Please ensure you tick the Gift Aid box on the donation form.

Are my donations from the United States tax efficient?

Yes! Contributions made from United States residents on the Giving Day website, which uses Stripe US, are tax deductible.

Will my donation be acknowledged publicly?

Unless you choose to remain anonymous, your donation will be recognised on our Giving Day donor wall and potentially in other materials celebrating our supporters.

What happens if the goal isn’t met?

Funds raised will still go towards the intended areas, and your participation remains invaluable, helping Cranbrook School thrive.

Can I set up a challenge gift or matching donation?

Yes! Challenge gifts and matching donations can inspire others to participate. Contact us at development@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk to discuss how you can create a challenge.

I’ve made a gift – what else can I do to get involved?

First of all – thank you! Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of supporters like you.

One of the best ways to maximise your support is by connecting with your friends and inspiring them to get involved too. For example, you can share our Cranbrook Gives posts on your social media. We’ll be using #CranbrookGives2025 throughout the Giving Day on the following platforms:

Even just letting your friends know that you’ve taken part can make a real difference.

What if I still have a question?

Please contact the Development Office at development@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk or give us a call on +44 (0)1580 711800. We’ll be happy to help.

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