Tag: match funding campaign

Small charities named Britain’s most trusted source of support after friends and family

Small Charity Week 2026 launches

  • New survey finds that when Brits need help, they rank small charities as their most trusted source of support, second only to friends and family
  • Over 200 charities have been selected to take part in this year’s Small Charity Week match funding campaign, up from 189 in 2025
  • More than £1.2 million in match funding has been pledged by funders and philanthropists, allowing public donations to participating charities to be doubled during Small Charity Week (22–29 June)

Small charities have been named Britain’s second most trusted support system, according to new research (Global’s Work.Shop.Play April 2026) released today as the Small Charity Week match funding campaign launches across the UK.

Four in five (80%) people agree that small charities are vital to society and make a real difference in their communities, while nearly half have seen the impact of a small charity in their local area.

The high level of public trust reflects the essential role small charities play in their local communities, where growing demand for their services is placing increasing pressure on organisations already facing rising costs and challenges securing donations and grant funding.

The results come as hundreds of grassroots charities prepare to take part in the Small Charity Week match funding campaign, delivered by Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise and NCVO.

Running from 22 to 29 June, the campaign will double public donations to over 200  small charities, helping local organisations raise vital unrestricted funding to continue supporting people and communities. More than £1.2 million in match funding has been raised with support from generous funders, including players of the Postcode Lottery.

Demand to take part in the campaign has risen significantly. A total of 1,108 charities applied this year, rising by a third compared to 2025, highlighting the growing pressure facing small charities as demand for support rises and resources become increasingly stretched.

The campaign builds on the success of its inaugural year in 2025, which supported 189 charities and raised £1.8 million in just seven days.

Small charities continue to face significant challenges. Research from Small Charity Week 2025 found that only 3% of small charities described their financial position as long-term secure, while nearly half (49%) said they were at risk of closure within a year. Almost three-quarters (73%) reported increased demand for services, while 63% cited reduced grant funding as a key challenge.

James Reed CBE, Chair of the Trustees of Big Give, said: “Every day, small charities help people facing some of life’s toughest challenges, often with limited resources and little recognition.

“Through the Small Charity Week match funding campaign, we hope to help hundreds of grassroots organisations raise vital funds, strengthen their resilience and continue making a difference where it matters most.”

Lorraine Kelly, Big Give Ambassador, said: “Small charities do extraordinary work every day, often supporting people when they have nowhere else to turn. The findings of this poll reflect just how important these organisations are to communities.

“Unfortunately, many small charities are being squeezed more than ever before by cuts in grants, falling donations thanks to the cost of living crisis and increased demands for their services.

“Small Charity Week is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate and support what they do. Any money you can give will be doubled by Big Give – making your generosity go even further.”

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness at Global’s Make Some Noise, added: “Small charities are at the heart of communities across the UK, providing vital support to people when they need it most.

“Through this campaign, we’re shining a spotlight on the organisations making a life-changing difference every day, often with limited resources and funding. We’re so proud to support and champion their work.”

Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: “Trusted, local and often shaped by people with lived experience, small charities have a deep understanding of the challenges people face and are relied upon every day to provide vital support.

“Without them, thousands of people would be left struggling alone and the results of this survey reflect that. Charities are essential and they remain trusted at a time when confidence elsewhere declines. That’s why they need our support, like this match funding programme, to continue delivering vital services.”

The Small Charity Week match funding campaign is part of Small Charity Week, the national campaign celebrating the essential role of small charities and community organisations.

To donate or find out more, visit: donate.biggive.org/small-charity-week-2026

Applications now open for the Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign

  • Small charities can now apply to take part in the match funding campaign, including those working internationally.
  • Applications close at 17:00 on 11 February 2026. Find out more on the Small Charity Week page.  

Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO announce the opening of applications for the Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign, the second nationwide match funding campaign dedicated exclusively to small charities.

Following the success of the inaugural 2025 campaign, Small Charity Week will expand in 2026, aiming to support more small charities than ever before. Building on last year’s support for small charities, the match funding campaign will, for the first time, include funding for UK-based organisations working internationally, with increased funding also available for eligible charities based in Scotland and Wales.

The match funding pot will help participating charities maximise donations, providing vital unrestricted income at a time when many small organisations are facing rising costs, increasing demand for services, and an increasingly competitive fundraising environment.

In just seven days, Small Charity Week 2025 raised £1.84 million, supporting 189 small charities through 9,208 donations. Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO provided a suite of free training, resources, and practical support to help charities successfully communicate their involvement in the campaign, and impact data from participating charities shows the campaign delivered benefits well beyond the week itself:

  • 97% of charities reported increased confidence in digital fundraising, despite 90% having little or no prior experience.
  • 97% received donations from new supporters, with 39% of the total donations from the campaign coming from completely new donors.
  • 90% raised more, and larger donations, compared to other non-matched fundraising activity.

These results demonstrate that the power of match funding, combined with targeted support, helps small charities not only raise vital funds but also build long-term fundraising capability.

Alongside this, the campaign will again be supported by a multi-channel national marketing and PR approach, which last year achieved an estimated media reach of more than 66 million.

Amplification comes through Global’s radio brands and Out Of Home media, and NCVO’s digital channels, connecting charities with thousands of potential new supporters.

In 2026, partners aim to build on this momentum, helping even more small charities gain the resources, recognition and resilience they need to transform lives and strengthen communities.

The Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign will run from 22 June to 29 June 2026, aligning with NCVO’s national awareness week, which shines a spotlight on the essential role small charities play across the UK.

Thanks to match funding provided by a growing network of Champion funders, public donations made during the campaign will be doubled.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery will once again join the campaign as a headline Champion, doubling donations throughout the week, with conversations ongoing with additional funders set to further expand the available match funding pot for participating charities.

Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness, CEO of Global’s Make Some Noise, said: “Small Charity Week shows the incredible impact that match funding and national visibility can have for small charities.

“Last year, so many organisations saw new supporters, increased donations, and greater confidence in digital fundraising.

“So many more charities need our support, and Small Charity Week offers a powerful opportunity to boost income and strengthen long-term sustainability.

“We’re thrilled to continue partnering with Big Give, NCVO, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and more generous funders to support them.”

Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: “Small charities play a vital role in our communities, and while they may be small, the impact of their work is anything but.

“Small Charity Week exists to amplify and celebrate that impact, enabling charities to raise more through matched funding and reach wider audiences through national visibility and support.

“We’re delighted that the 2026 match funding campaign will benefit even more charities, including UK-based charities working internationally, recognising the important contribution many small organisations make overseas.

“At a time of rising costs and growing demand, this campaign offers much-needed support to help small charities reach new supporters and build long-term resilience.”

Alex Day, Managing Director of Big Give, said: “Small charities are the backbone of our communities, yet they often face the greatest challenges when it comes to fundraising.

“We’re proud to be continuing Small Charity Week in 2026 so that more charities can benefit from match funding and the generosity of the public.

“Thanks to the match funding available, this campaign offers a powerful opportunity for small charities to grow their impact and resilience.”

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Small charities play a vital role in communities, often delivering life-changing work with limited resources.

“Through Small Charity Week, funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, in addition to public donations, will provide small charities with vital flexible funding and the confidence to reach new supporters.

“It’s fantastic that player support will help even more charities to build stronger, more resilient futures.”

Applications for Small Charity Week 2026 are open now and will close at 17:00 on 11th February 2026. For more information and to apply, please visit the Small Charity Week page.