The 2005 Direct Debit Charity Awards have been launched this week with the intention of recognising the achievements of charities in increasing regular donations through direct debits.

The awards are organised by BACS Payment Schemes Ltd (BPSL), which highlight the fact that those people who donate regualarly through Direct Debit are more likely to sign up for Gift Aid, dramatically increasing the revenue potential for charities.”

Mananging director of BPSL, Michael Chambers, said: “Earlier this year we highlighted astonishing research uncovering that charities forgo income approaching £400 million a year because of donations that fail to take advantage of the tax breaks available to them. It makes sense for Direct Debit to work with charitable organisations to try and maximise the flow of funds for worthy causes.”

The awards are to split into three catagories: the Achievement Award, for the charity with the most improved (year on year) Direct Debit take up; an Innovation Award, for the most creative use of original ideas and processes to promote Direct Debit; and the Best Practice Award, for the charity that achieves the highest level of organisational improvements and customer satisfaction by offering Direct Debit as an alternative payment method.

All UK charities are free to enter. Winners will be presented with a trophy and all entrants will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a £1,000 donation to their charity. For more information and to enter, visit www.directdebit.co.uk/charity_awards/awards.php