To mark Payroll Giving Month, CEO and Founder Leila Thomas sat down with long-term supporter and monthly donor Gordon to discuss the power of sustained support. In this candid conversation, Gordon reflects on why he chose to give consistently, the impact he has witnessed over the years, and why regular donations play such a vital role in helping Urban Synergy continue opening doors for young people.
Host: Leila
Guest: Gordon, Long-term Supporter & Monthly Donor
1. Why monthly giving?
Leila:
Gordon, you’ve been part of the Urban Synergy story for many years. While many know you for your advocacy, you’ve also supported us consistently through personal donations. As we mark Payroll Giving Month, can you take us back to why you first chose to support Urban Synergy on a monthly basis?
Gordon:
I chose to support Urban Synergy monthly because I genuinely believe the organisation provides a valuable contribution to helping young people embark on a sustainable and productive path in their lives. Supporting regularly felt like a practical way to stand behind that mission.
2. Consistency over intensity
Leila:
In the charity sector, we often talk about the “power of the monthly gift.” From your perspective, why is a smaller monthly amount more impactful than a one-off annual donation?
Gordon:
Every donation — whether one-off or monthly — is impactful. However, smaller regular donations over the long term allow Urban Synergy to plan ahead and consistently deliver programmes for young people. Predictability creates stability, and stability strengthens impact.
3. Witnessing the impact
Leila:
You’ve seen mentees progress from school into university and early careers. How does it feel knowing your contributions helped build the infrastructure that made those journeys possible?
Gordon:
I feel pleased to have been able to assist in even a small way. Seeing young people move forward with confidence is incredibly rewarding.
4. The payroll giving advantage
Leila:
Payroll giving is often described as “the taxman’s gift” because donations come from gross salary. How would you explain the benefit of giving this way?
Gordon:
Although I’m not currently donating via Payroll Giving in the 2025/2026 financial year, I will be switching to this method in 2026/2027. The key benefit is immediate tax relief — donations are made before tax is deducted from your salary. This can be particularly advantageous for higher-rate taxpayers compared to Gift Aid.
For example: If you donate £5 per month through Payroll Giving, it may only cost you £4, depending on your tax rate.
5. A message to future donors
Leila:
To someone early in their career or working at a company with a payroll scheme, why is Urban Synergy worth supporting long-term?
Gordon:
Urban Synergy delivers tangible, lasting impact. Supporting consistently helps ensure young people receive the guidance, exposure and confidence they need to succeed. It’s an investment in future leaders.
Oracle & payroll giving
Many companies make Payroll Giving simple and even more impactful.
For example, Oracle offers Payroll Giving (also known as “Give as You Earn” in the UK) through the Benevity platform.
How It Works for Oracle Employees:
- Platform: Employees log in via the Oracle Benevity portal.
- Tax Efficiency: Donations are deducted from gross salary. A £10 donation could cost a higher-rate taxpayer £6.
- Matching Gifts: Oracle historically matches employee donations 1:1 (up to an annual cap).
- Volunteer Grants: Volunteer hours logged through the platform can sometimes convert into additional funding for charities.
This means a regular monthly donation can potentially be doubled — increasing impact without doubling personal cost.
This Payroll Giving Month, make a lasting impact, please choose Urban Synergy as your charity of choice. Your regular support helps to open doors, builds confidence, and transform the futures of young people. Give consistently, see change, join us and be part of their journey.”