How you can support the VCH
The VCH has always relied on the generous financial support provided by interested individuals and institutions, especially of course those with strong links in their local areas. This support continues to be absolutely vital to the whole enterprise. Without it, the VCH would be unable to continue its production of high-quality local history resources, in print and on-line, all supported by unrivalled architectural and topographical research and the superb work of local history volunteers.
You can help us in several ways.
VCH Central Office (in Senate House)
It costs around £300,000 annually to run the VCH Central Office, which co-ordinates the project and drives it forward around the country. Some of this funding comes in the form of grants from the University of London, and from the revenue we obtain by publishing the VCH, but there is always a substantial shortfall. And there is so much more we could do if funding were forthcoming. For example:
- To develop our website and to maintain it in the future we need a full time ICT officer. This would cost about £30,000 a year, but currently we have no funding for the post, and have to make do as best we can.
- To continue and develop the education packages we are preparing through the HLF funded project ‘England’s Past for Everyone’ we need a full-time education officer from to start work in 2009, costing about £35k per annum.
Please consider helping the work of the VCH. Your contribution can be earmarked for specific tasks (such as book research), particular programmes (such as training or education), or individual areas down to city, town or parish level. Gifts can be given through the Victoria History Trust, which is managed by a Board of Trustees which includes a member of the University of London’s Finance team. Gift aid applies. Any funds deposited with the trust are used to provide income for VCH publishing and research activities.
The Director of the VCH, Professor John Beckett, will be delighted to discuss with you ways in which your support can be tailored to the projects which interest you most. He can be contacted at: John Beckett (john.beckett@sas.ac.uk; 0207-862-8772).
Counties
We are currently active in many English counties. Follow the links below to find out more about the county in which you are interested.
You can make a donation for work in any county. In currently active counties details are given on the local website.
For dormant counties a registered charity (#1043526) is managed by an independent Board of Trustees. It holds money donated for work in individual counties which do not currently have a trust.
You may send a cheque or CAF voucher, made payable to the University of London stating any particular project or area to which you would like the funding to be applied. It is best to discuss this with the VCH first. Regular support is of course even more beneficial to the VCH: please consider giving by regular Standing Order. In addition, completing a Gift Aid declaration if you are a UK taxpayer will enable the VCH to claim an extra 28p in the pound for every pound you donate.
Leaflet on giving to the VCH with donation form attached
Note: Gift Aid can now be authorised electronically.
Would you consider remembering the Victoria County History in your will? For advice on how to do this and for further information about giving to the VCH, please contact William Peck, who will be very pleased to advise you.
