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Bedford pilot · free business account

Do good locally.
Be known for it.

Buy something a school or charity down the road actually needs. Give them a reason to tell your story, build local trust, and fly the flag for your business.

No monthly fee in the pilot. You pay for what you choose to give.

Local wishlists

Small things that make a big difference.

Browse local wishlists

How it works

From one wish to a lasting local connection.

  1. An office team packing a box of books1

    Pick a wish

    Choose something that fits your budget, near your office or your patch.

  2. A business owner handing a parcel to a school receptionist2

    Buy and send it

    Order it in your business’s name and post it to the school or charity.

  3. A teacher opening a box of donated supplies3

    They confirm and say thanks

    They confirm delivery. We encourage a quick photo, letter or newsletter thank-you, and help them get it done. Keep talking about the next need, a visit or work experience.

What your business gets back

Good deeds are worth talking about.

A newsletter thank-you

Ready-made wording helps schools tell families about your gift. Public sharing follows their permission.

A sticker for your window

A CommuniTie sticker for your door or window after your first delivered gift. Customers see it every time they walk past, and it gets people asking.

A supporter profile

A public page listing the local causes you’ve helped, ready to link from your website.

Records for your accountant

Receipts, values and delivery confirmations in one place, with CSV and PDF downloads.

Tax example: buying goods to donate

A purchase example, separate from donating stock or equipment you already own

Purchase price including 20% VAT£200
VAT reclaimed (£200 ÷ 6)−£33.33
Corporation tax relief (£166.67 × 25%)−£41.67
Your net cost£125
1.6x
Goods value / example net cost
£200
Purchase value of goods donated

Assumes full purchase VAT recovery, a deductible expense at 25% corporation tax and a qualifying donation. Existing surplus does not create a new purchase expense. Tender valuation follows the buyer’s framework.

For a £120 purchase: You pay £75. The school or charity gets something that would have cost them up to £120 from their own budget, freeing that money for other things they need.

Our partners

Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation

We also work closely with Bedford Borough Council and Bedford Borough Learning Exchange.

Before your first gift

Good questions.

What does it cost?

Nothing to join during the Bedford pilot. You pay for the item you choose and any delivery. Schools and charities use CommuniTie free.

Do I need a big budget or a CSR team?

No. Start with a small, useful gift and choose what fits your budget.

Will the school definitely thank me publicly?

Thank-yous are strongly encouraged and made quick for schools, but they’re never compulsory, and public sharing follows the school’s permission.

Can I claim VAT relief?

It can apply when the recipient is recognised by HMRC as a charity and the item is within the value limits. CommuniTie collects the details your accountant needs, and your accountant decides.

More answers in the FAQ.

Your next good deed is probably on your street.

Free for schools and charities