[Wednesday 14th May] Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise, and NCVO are proud to announce that 194 small charities have been selected to take part in the first-ever Small Charity Week match funding campaign, running from the 23rd to the 30th June 2025. The campaign offers a powerful opportunity to double public donations, providing crucial unrestricted funding and wraparound support for small charities making a big impact in their communities.
This joint initiative combines Big Give’s proven match funding platform with Global’s Make Some Noise’s experience in funding grassroots projects, and NCVO’s commitment to helping improve resilience across the sector. Together, they aim to amplify the profile and power of small charities – organisations delivering vital services, often on the frontline of local crises, yet frequently unseen and underfunded.
A record-breaking 846 applications were submitted, more than any themed Big Give campaign since 2021. Of these, 194 charities were selected, representing a 23% success rate of applications. A total of £900,000 in match funding has been pledged, thanks to the generous support of multiple funders, including players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 73% of charities that have been offered funding have an income below £500k.
As a result of the overwhelming number of applications, the charity’s application funding success rate was significantly below the usual 70-80% for Big Give campaigns. While this campaign marks a powerful start, this sharp drop underlines the scale of unmet need in the sector and the urgency of further action. We warmly invite funders and philanthropists interested in becoming a Champion to get in touch. Your support could be transformative for the small charities working tirelessly to change lives.
Charities taking part cover every region of the UK, with 78% of projects based outside London. The causes span across Global’s Make Some Noise’s four key priority areas, including: a focus on shelter and safety, supporting physical and mental health, addressing isolation and loneliness, and helping to build life skills.
Applications closed on the 2nd of April and to be eligible, charities had to have an annual income between £5,000 and £1 million.
The Small Charity Week campaign doesn’t just offer funding; it provides access to practical training, resources, and visibility to help small charities build resilience and strengthen their voice. These ‘small but mighty’ organisations are vital in their communities, often stepping in where others cannot. The Small Charity Week match funding campaign ensures they receive the recognition and support they deserve. The funds raised through this campaign will provide small charities with crucial, unrestricted funding, enabling them to continue tackling social challenges and transforming lives across the UK.
From the sheer number of applications, it’s clear: the need has never been greater. Every matched donation will help meet this growing demand, but our work doesn’t stop here. Together, we can continue building the strength, profile and sustainability of small charities for years to come.
James Reed CBE, Chair of the Trustees of Big Give, said: “Small charities are the beating heart of our communities – nimble, responsive and deeply trusted. Through this campaign, we’re proud to put them centre stage. Match funding is a powerful tool that doubles the impact of public donations and builds long-term sustainability for charities doing vital work across the UK.”
Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness, Global’s Make Some Noise, said: “Through our work supporting small and local charities over the last 11 years, we know the incredible power of these amazing organisations to change lives. They’re the driving force behind local change — bringing hope, care, and critical support to those facing some of life’s toughest challenges. Thanks to this partnership, and the generosity of players of People’s Postcode Lottery and our wider community of supporters, we’ll be able to reach even more people across the UK with vital support, amplify the voices of small charities and double the impact of public donations where it matters most.”
Sarah Elliott, Chief Executive of NCVO, said: “Small charities are facing a triple-threat of rising demand, soaring costs and falling resources, but despite challenging circumstances they continue to step up for their communities. Through this campaign, we’re equipping them with the tools, funding and visibility they need to keep helping communities and people thrive.”
Find out more: biggive.org/small-charity-week/
