The Francis Skaryna Belarusian Library and Museum is a registered charity powered by its community of volunteers. We preserve Belarusian memories and treasures — archives, art, books, and historical artefacts — for future generations in Britain and beyond.
Regular donations help us plan and develop our work. One-off gifts support immediate needs and new opportunities. We receive no regular public or corporate funding.
What your donation does
You can give regularly or only once — both make a real difference. Every contribution goes directly to preserving and sharing Belarusian cultural heritage:
- preservation and cataloguing of archive materials
- exhibitions and public events
- acquisition and safeguarding of Belarusian heritage artefacts
- long-term cultural programmes
Giving regularly is the most powerful way to help
A regular monthly gift, even a small one, allows us to plan, commit to projects, and sustain our work year-round rather than living event to event. We recommend starting at £10 a month — the cost of a new paperback or archiving a document.
Secure payment via Stripe. Cancel any time.
One-off donation
Prefer to give once? Every gift is put to work immediately toward a new acquisition, an event, or day-to-day running costs. Please choose any amount you’re comfortable with.
Secure payment via Stripe. UK taxpayers: tick Gift Aid at checkout to add 25p per £1 at no extra cost to you.
Gift Aid — boost your donation
If you are a UK taxpayer, please select the Gift Aid option when donating via Stripe. This allows us to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you give, directly from HMRC, at absolutely no additional cost to you. That means that on a £20 donation, the Library receives £25. A £50 donation makes £62.50!
Gift Aid is available on both monthly and one-off donations. Simply select the box at checkout — it takes one second, but makes a big difference.
Higher-rate taxpayers — your donation may cost less than you think
If you pay income tax at 40% or 45%, or if your income falls between £100,000 and £125,140, you are entitled to additional tax relief on charitable donations beyond standard Gift Aid. This relief is claimed through the Self Assessment tax return by you, and is separate from the 25% Gift Aid the Library claims.
In practical terms, a higher-rate taxpayer donating £1,200 to the Skaryna Library may receive up to £600 back through their tax return, making the true cost of their donation as little as £600, while the library receives £1,500. For those whose income falls within the personal allowance taper band (£100,000–£125,140), the effective relief can be even higher, depending on individual circumstances.
To claim tax relief, include the gross amount of your Gift Aid donations in the charitable giving section of your Self Assessment return. If you use an accountant, mention your donation to them, and they will handle the rest. We are happy to provide a donation receipt on request: please email library@skaryna.org.uk.
Other ways to support
Bank transfer
Donations can be made directly to the Library’s bank account:
The Skaryna Library
IBAN: GB27LOYD30998601310798
BIC: LOYDGB21043
CAF Donate
We accept donations through CAF (Charities Aid Foundation), which is particularly convenient for workplace giving schemes. Visit CAF Donate and search for The Skaryna Library.
Leave a gift in your will
A legacy gift is one of the most meaningful ways to support the Library’s future. If you would like to remember the Skaryna Library in your will, please contact us at library@skaryna.org.uk, and we will be happy to discuss how your gift could make a lasting difference.
Volunteer with us
The library runs on the dedication of its volunteers. Whether you can offer an afternoon or a longer-term commitment, there is likely a role that fits your skills and availability. We have active committees covering:
- User services — visits, events, and outreach
- Physical maintenance — the building, garden, and collection storage
- Finance and reporting — fundraising and compliance
- Collection development — acquisitions, cataloguing, and digitisation
- IT — systems, cybersecurity, and backups
- Website, social media and PR — communications and public presence
We welcome volunteers based in London as well as remote contributors. If you are considering a career in libraries, museums or archives, we may also be able to offer a placement.