Christian funders join forces for UK’s largest Christmas fundraising campaign
What is the Big Give Christmas Challenge?
The Christmas Challenge is the UK’s largest collaborative fundraising campaign, created to support a wide range of charities at the time of year when help is needed most. Through match-funding, donations from the public can be doubled by funders, creating twice the impact for vital causes.
This year’s campaign runs from 2nd to 9th December, giving charities seven days to unlock match-funding and multiply their public donations to make double the difference.
The Big Give Champions
The campaign’s funder ‘Champions’ include some of the most influential names in funding and philanthropy, dedicated to making a positive impact in society. Among them is the Together Fund, a partnership of nine members of the Christian Funders’ Forum - a network of UK Christian grant-making trusts and foundations, whose combined giving totals more than £80m each year.
In 2024, Benefact Trust gave £25.5 million to churches and Christian charities. For this year’s Christmas Challenge, the Trust has contributed £50,000 to the Together Fund’s total donation.
Supporting smaller charities making a big difference
This year, the Together Fund is focusing on supporting smaller charities who will really benefit from a funding boost. From organisations helping people struggling with loneliness and debt, to projects giving hope to marginalised young people; the 78 selected charities all connect with our values and funding goals.
A record-breaking year of funding
Year on year, the impact of the Christmas Challenge continues to grow. 2024 was a record-breaking year, with a total of £44.7m raised for 1,267 charities. The Together Fund supported 59 of these incredible charities, some of which Benefact Trust has already built strong, funding partnerships with, including:
- Growing Hope - providing free therapy for children and families with additional needs.
- Kintsugi Hope - creating mental health friendly spaces in churches.
- Junction 42 - providing support and rehabilitation for offenders and prison leavers.
- Welcome Churches - equipping churches to provide a warm welcome for refugees and asylum seekers.
Over the last five years, the Together Fund has helped charities raise over £3.5m through the Big Give Christmas Challenge. This year, we hope to make a bigger impact and give even more charities the opportunity for a festive funding boost.
Helen Gray, Benefact Trust Director, said: “Big Give’s Christmas Challenge is the perfect demonstration of how the public and funders can pull together to support charities at a time when the need is greatest and charitable support is stretched. It’s Christmas spirit in action.
“We’re proud to unite with other Christian funders to maximise our support for these inspirational charities. I would encourage everyone to join in where they can, your donations really will make a difference to lives this Christmas.”
Get involved
Want to make your donations go further? Visit Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025 and help us double the difference this Christmas.
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