Small charities across the UK have received a vital boost after the Small Charity Week 2026 match funding campaign raised £2,597,087 million in just seven days.
Delivered by Big Give, Global’s Make Some Noise and NCVO, the campaign brought together 253 small charities to raise vital unrestricted funding for their work supporting local communities across the UK and around the world.
Running during the national Small Charity Week celebration from 22 – 29 June, donations made through Big Give’s platform were doubled thanks to more than £1.2 million in match funding provided by generous philanthropists, foundations and funding partners, including support from Postcode Lottery players.
Together, the campaign generated more than 9,500 donations from members of the public, helping charities raise significant, unrestricted income at a time when many continue to face increasing demand for services, rising operational costs and ongoing funding challenges.
The campaign demonstrates the growing role match funding can play in strengthening the UK’s small charity sector. By connecting charities with both public donors and a network of philanthropists, foundations and businesses, the initiative helps organisations access funding, attract new supporters and increase awareness of their work. Small charities are deeply embedded within their communities, providing trusted and tailored support to people facing a wide range of social, economic and environmental challenges.
The campaign was championed by a range of ambassadors supporting participating charities, including Kieron Dyer for PSC Support, Lauren Laverne for Beauty Banks, Ben West for Beyond, Dame Evelyn Glennie for Music of Life and Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell for Flynne’s Barn. Alongside this, Capital’s Chris Stark, Heart’s Pandora Christie and Heart Scotland’s Cat Cubie also showed their support.
The campaign builds on the success of its inaugural year in 2025, which supported 189 charities and raised £1.89 million in just seven days.
Lee Mead, Ambassador of Joseph’s Smile, said: I’m honoured to be a patron of Joseph’s Smile, a charity set up in memory of 3-year-old Joseph who passed away in 2021 from Neuroblastoma. I’m proud to support the incredible work they do every day in supporting families, providing specialised wiggly vests for children with Hickman lines, cancer research and their excellent Kids Get Cancer Too campaign. What makes a charity like this so special is its heart and passion – the close connection it has with the community it serves and the real difference it makes to families who need it most. Small charities are the backbone of our communities; they see the detail, they understand the people, and they respond with compassion and care in a way that’s deeply personal. Joseph’s Smile is a perfect example of how dedication and kindness, especially in the depths of a family’s grief, can create hope and change lives, and I’m so proud to stand alongside them in their daily mission.
James Reed CBE, Chair of the Trustees of Big Give, said:
“Small charities are at the heart of communities across the UK, providing vital support to people when they need it most. We’re delighted that this year’s Small Charity Week match funding campaign has inspired such a generous response from the public.
The funds raised will help charities continue their important work and support more people facing challenges in their communities. We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the campaign such a success.”
Suzanne Ryder Richardson, Director of Global Goodness at Global’s Make Some Noise, added: “We’re so pleased that in our second-year of running this campaign, we’ve seen a significant increase in vital funds raised for small charities. This demonstrates the incredible impact of match-funding, not only in unlocking financial support, but also in shining a spotlight on the organisations at the heart of our communities, supporting people through life’s toughest challenges. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has shown their support, including Postcode Lottery players, whose generosity has helped us to champion small charities changing lives.”
Kate Lee OBE, Chief Executive of NCVO, said:
“I’m delighted to see the Small Charity Week match funding campaign achieve even greater success this year. At a time when small charities are facing serious challenges, this incredible level of support will make a real difference, helping them continue to provide the vital services their communities rely on.
Our partnership with Big Give and Global’s Make Some Noise for Small Charity Week is vital, not only to shine a light on the incredible work these charities do, but also to provide them with essential financial support. This year’s substantial increase in funds raised highlights just how crucial this match funding campaign is.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities of Postcode Lottery, said: “Small charities are at the heart of communities across the UK, yet many continue to operate under significant financial pressure, despite growing demand for their services.
By doubling donations and encouraging more people to give, match funding helps small charities raise more money, reach new supporters and build greater resilience for the future. Congratulations to all the charities that took part in this year’s campaign and to everyone who donated.”
