The Big Give – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

The Big Give launches third annual ‘Arts for Impact’ campaign

Support for 280 grassroots charities nationwide

Now in its third year, the landmark match funding campaign aims to raise thousands for 280 UK arts and culture charities.
Running from 17th March to 24th March, public donations made via Big Give will be doubled by a range of generous match funding partners.

Big Give, the UK’s leading match-funding platform, today launches the 2026 edition of its annual Arts for Impact campaign, in partnership with Figurative Philanthropy for Arts and Culture (FPAC).

Now in its third year, the week-long campaign has become a vital fixture in the arts calendar and will support 280 grassroots arts and culture charities across the UK, helping them raise essential funds at a time of mounting financial pressure.

Arts organisations continue to face rising operational costs, increasing demand for services and sustained pressure on income from donations and grants. For many grassroots charities, campaigns like Arts for Impact are not simply fundraising opportunities; they are critical moments to galvanise public support and secure their future.

From midday 17 March to midday 24 March, every public donation made via Big Give’s platform will be doubled pound-for-pound by a group of major philanthropic ‘Champions’, unlocking vital funding for charities working across music, theatre, dance, museums, galleries and literature.

This year’s match funding has been provided by an exceptional coalition of philanthropists, companies and foundations, including The Reed Foundation, AKO Foundation, and with public funding support from Arts Council England, among others.

This year, the initiative will help 280 participating charities that use creativity to address societal challenges, from supporting mental health and tackling isolation, to providing free creative education for disadvantaged young people.

Regional Impact: A Nationwide Movement

The 2026 campaign involves charities from across the country, ensuring the benefits of the arts are felt in communities nationwide. According to recent data, the campaign supports a diverse range of organisations across the UK:

Region	Participating Charities
East of England	17
East Midlands	5
Greater London	64
North East	4
North West	17
Northern Ireland	3
Scotland	5
South East	45
South West	27
Wales	7
West Midlands	13
Yorkshire & The Humber	13
Nationwide	66

Note: Data represents a snapshot of the 2026 campaign’s regional engagement.

James Reed CBE, Chair of Trustees for Big Give, said:

“Arts charities across the UK deliver real social impact, building connection and purpose through creativity. For many of these grassroots organisations, the funds raised during this campaign make the difference between continuing their vital work or facing difficult reductions in service. Every pound donated can be doubled, making it the perfect way for the public to multiply their generosity.”

Tonya Nelson, Executive Director, Enterprise and Innovation, Arts Council England, said:

“We are pleased to match fund these inspiring Arts for Impact campaigns. Philanthropy plays a vital role in funding culture in the UK, helping creative and cultural organisations reach more people in more places. We hope the additional funds raised will support organisations’ social impact work and help them develop new skills for the future.”

Sir Vernon Ellis, FPAC Founder and Trustee of Figurative, added:

“The arts are fundamental to the wellbeing of individuals and communities. At a time when financial pressures are significant, initiatives like Arts for Impact provide a vital lifeline, ensuring these organisations can continue their invaluable work for years to come.”

Voices from the Frontline

The campaign’s impact is best reflected in the charities it supports. Following the 2025 campaign, participating organisations reported not only increased income, but also strengthened fundraising capability and public visibility.

Refreshing Minds

“The main impact…will be the ability to provide over 300 disadvantaged girls with the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and express their creativity in a safe and supportive environment.

Funds raised will support skill development through workshops in acting, dance, and technical production, offering participants a chance to enhance their future opportunities.

Additionally, funds will aid in supporting the development of 32 active volunteers by providing them with training and resources to strengthen their leadership.”

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.

Edinburgh Charity launches Christmas appeal to help tackle loneliness

The Eric Liddell Community launches ‘Belonging at Christmas’ Appeal to help support its dementia care and community hub, with The Big Give doubling all donations (up to £4000) made in the first week.

The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity, has today launched its Christmas Appeal for 2024, ‘Belonging at Christmas’. This year’s appeal will help support the charity’s year-round dementia care services and community hub, providing a lifeline to many who rely on its support to combat loneliness and isolation.

The festive period can be particularly difficult for those experiencing loneliness. The Eric Liddell Community provides a safe and welcoming space where individuals can find connections and companionship. The charity is calling on the public’s generosity to help its continued efforts to create meaningful connections and essential support for those in need.

From Tuesday, December 3^rd, to Tuesday December 10th, donations to the ‘Belonging at Christmas’ appeal through BigGive.org will be matched by The Big Give (up to £4000). This partnership offers an incredible opportunity to make a real difference for the many individuals who depend on The Eric Liddell Community’s support.

Anna Beauchamp, Fundraising Relationships Officer at The Eric Liddell Community, highlighted the importance of the Christmas Appeal: “As we seek the support of the local community during the festive period, we feel it is important to highlight the people whose lives we have positively impacted throughout 2024.

“The Eric Liddell Community has welcomed over 6,000 people through its doors monthly, providing over 2,500 hours of companionship and 300 support classes for those suffering from isolation.

“With your support, we look to grow these numbers even further in 2025 and beyond, providing a warm, safe community for those that need it most.”

Over the next 25 years the number of people in Edinburgh living with dementia is set to double, touching more lives with loneliness and isolation. It can take up to 12 months to receive a diagnosis from the NHS leaving a staggering number of people waiting to receive specialised support.

This not only affects those on their dementia journey, but their family and loved ones too. The Eric Liddell Community seeks to end this critical gap and provides vital care and support to those affected by this wait time.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added: “Eric Liddell lived his life prioritising and caring for others. As a charity, The Eric Liddell Community works hard to live up to his legacy, putting the local community first in everything that we do.

“The festive season is often the loneliest time of the year for many, and as we continue supporting our service users throughout the holidays, we appeal to your generosity to help sustain these vital services for Edinburgh’s community.”

To donate to The Eric Liddell Community’s ‘Belonging at Christmas’ Appeal please visit Belonging at Christmas between the 3^rd to 10^th of December.

After the 10th of December, to contribute directly to the appeal, please visit The Eric Liddell Community website at ericliddell.org.

Charities bracing themselves as nearly one third of Scots say they may need to take on debt to cover the costs of Christmas

Charities bracing themselves as nearly one third of Scots say they may need to take on debt to cover the costs of Christmas

Nearly one third of people in Scotland (29%) may need to take on debt to cover the cost of Christmas this year, according to a survey of 2,000 people carried out by Censuswide for charity The Big Give.

Nearly one quarter of Edinburgh residents (24%) are not looking forward to the holiday season this year, with money worries being the most common reason, the survey also found.

While lower than the national average (16%), a shocking 13% of Scottish residents are worried they may need to use food banks to help them manage this Christmas.

Thankfully, more half of respondents from Scotland plan to donate the same amount to charities over the Christmas period. Between rising financial concerns and the ongoing health crisis that is the Covid-19 pandemic, the work done by local charities is more important than ever.

A campaign organised by the Big Give and backed by celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Dame Judi Dench, Russell Brand and others is aiming to help.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest Christmas coordinated fundraising appeal, is supporting over 900 charities to raise funds with the unique offer of matching any donations made during the week of 30th November – 7th December.

Alex Day, Director of The Big Give said: ‘Our study shows that, sadly, people across Scotland and the rest of the UK are facing an imperfect storm; High fuel prices, chronic mental health problems, rising debt, loneliness and fears about Covid-19 will mean that, for many, this festive period will be a far cry from picture perfect scenes portrayed on Christmas cards.

‘Some will rely on charities which will be further and further stretched as demand grows.’

‘That is why, for those who can, supporting charities is more important than ever. Through The Christmas Challenge campaign, we are offering to match any donation made to hundreds of amazing charities through theBigGive.org.uk. That means whatever you can give will go twice as far.’

People Know How joins Christmas Challenge aiming to double supporters’ gifts

Edinburgh charity People Know How is gearing up to double supporters’ Christmas donations by taking part in the UK’s biggest match funding campaign, The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge 2019. Continue reading People Know How joins Christmas Challenge aiming to double supporters’ gifts