The Big Give Covid-19 campaign raises £1.35million for national appeal

The match funding campaign supporting communities hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic has raised more than £1.35million.

The Big Give launched the #Covid19EmergencyAppeal to enable donors to make twice the impact during this critical time. Every pound donated was doubled, using match funding from philanthropists and trusts, and then sent to the National Emergencies Trust, who allocated funding to grassroots organisations and community foundations across the country.

The National Emergencies Trust highlighted the importance of this collaboration with The Big Give and the vital boost of matched giving in maximising the value of donations.

Lord Dannatt, chair of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “We were delighted to partner with The Big Give to enable the public to double the value and power of their gifts in generating vital funding for grassroots charities across the country.

“We have been humbled by the public’s response. This means that we’ve been able promptly to issue grants to frontline charities and community foundations to fund critical services like food banks, mental health provision and support for those living in isolation.”

Over £600,000 was gifted to the match funding pot by The Big Give’s funding champions, which include the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, the Reed family, Reed Foundation and Cazenove Capital (Schroders). 

James Reed, board member of The Big Give and chair and chief executive of global recruitment company REED, said: “I’m a big believer in the power of match giving, not simply in growing the value of donations, but in inspiring a culture of philanthropy.

“The pandemic has had a catastrophic impact on the country on so many levels, but it’s also stirred a wonderful sense of community and solidarity. 

“This campaign highlights that even – and perhaps particularly – during the most challenging of times, the UK’s public will dig deep to help those most in need.”

The National Emergencies Trust is funding community projects the breadth of the country, meeting the needs of those communities most impacted by coronavirus. Projects include the provision of essential food, clothing and toiletries, but also social and wellbeing services such as a Kids in the Kitchen home cookery programme hosted by The Larder in Lancashire and mental health services and youth support funded by the Two Ridings Community Foundation.