Our Model of Funding and Programmes
We use the Big Give’s pledge model of funding for our two match-funding programmes. Our model enhances donations made by the public on the Big Give platform, helping charities to raise even more funds.
In addition to our regular pledge campaign, we are testing a new entry level model for first time, for small, grassroots charities with an annual income of £500,000 or less. This will initially be on a smaller scale than the main pledge model and will be a stepping stone for smaller charities to engage in the Big Give model, but without the ‘pledge’ element. The amount of funding available will be limited for this pilot.
Champions for Children Programme
Champions for Children takes place annually in June, providing a wide range of funding for work that supports children and young people across London. Our ambition is to reach children and young people systematically overlooked and living in poverty by funding organisations that are deeply rooted in their communities, trusted by those they support, and able to demonstrate meaningful impact. In 2025, 86 of our charity partners came together through our Champions for Children match-funding campaign to raise over £4.4 million for children across London.
Applications for funding are currently closed. If you have applied for Champions for Children 2026, you will find key dates here.
Christmas Challenge Programme
The Big Give’s Christmas Challenge is the UK’s largest collaborative fundraising campaign, and we are proud to support it as a Champion Funder. The 2025 campaign provided charities who support children and young people living in poverty in London the opportunity to have their donations doubled through match funding. During the 2025 Christmas Challenge, 98 charity partners raised over £5.6 million, reflecting the generosity of donors and the efforts of our charity partners in engaging with their dedicated audiences.
Applications for funding are currently closed.
