BIG Give, the UK’s leading match funding platform, has announced that applications are now open for the second Arts for Impact match funding campaign, running from the 18th to the 25th of March 2025.
The campaign aims to support a diverse array of arts and culture organisations that are working to make a transformational impact for their local communities – from music, theatre, and dance to museums, galleries, and literature. Charities interested in applying should have arts and culture as their core mission and be looking for funds to support transformational impact for the people engaging with the charity. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 18th December 2024.
The campaign is being run in partnership with New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (NPAC), a part of the not-for-profit organisation, Figurative, which advocates for increased investment and philanthropic funding in the arts. NPAC is supporting the co-design of the programme and providing valuable training to participating charities, alongside sector-wide advocacy.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, which raised an incredible £2.85 million for 238 arts charities across the UK, this year’s Arts for Impact promises to provide even greater support amidst a challenging funding landscape. Last year’s campaign drew an impressive 12,386 public donations, demonstrating the public’s appetite for backing arts initiatives that make a difference in communities.
Feedback from Arts for Impact charity, Sunderland Culture:
“It is quite astonishing that in one week, we raised £28,946. It is the breadth and depth of generosity that is humbling – we saw over 220 individual donations… a substantial proportion of the funds raised came from new donors.
“We didn’t have a track record in individual giving beyond visitor and ticket top-up donations, and no corporate giving. We have seen both in the donors to our campaign through working networks, connections and audiences. I do believe that the match funding via Big Give was key to galvanising people’s support and helped us test the response to an appeal.”
Why Apply?
The funds raised through Arts for Impact will be transformative for many arts charities. By leveraging match funding, the campaign doubles the impact of public donations, amplifying the reach and effectiveness of projects that use the arts to improve mental health, foster social inclusion, enhance community cohesion and much more. This creates a unique opportunity for philanthropists, foundations, and companies to make a substantial difference by matching public donations pound for pound.
The success of last year’s Arts for Impact campaign highlights the unwavering commitment of individuals and organisations towards harnessing arts and culture for society. We have also observed the power of a place-based focus in several locations across the country, including targeted specific regions like Stoke-on-Trent and Gloucester.
To learn more about how to apply or support the campaign, please visit: https://biggive.org/artsforimpact/.
Alex Day, Managing Director for Big Give, said:
“Last year’s campaign was a resounding success and we are looking to build on that momentum with this campaign. With arts charities facing unprecedented challenges, there has never been a more critical time to show support. Arts and culture play a crucial role in communities, from improving mental health to enhancing social skills. I urge arts and culture charities across the UK to apply and make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”
Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of NPAC and member of the Figurative Board said:
“We are very pleased to be partnering with the Big Give for a second Arts for Impact match funding campaign. We were delighted that so many arts organisations used this opportunity last year to launch targeted campaigns to attract new supporters, encouraged by the powerful social impact of their work. We are grateful both to the generous contributors to this fund and to Arts Council England for their funding of New Philanthropy for Arts & Culture’s activities.”
Tonya Nelson, Executive Director, Enterprise and Innovation, Arts Council England, said:
“We’re delighted to work again with New Philanthropy for Arts and Culture on this initiative and look forward to seeing another round of Arts for Impact. Philanthropy is a vital part of funding for culture in the UK, and innovative ways of raising money, such as this match funding enabled through the generosity of Big Give, Sir Alec Reed and many other individuals, can help creative and cultural organisations do more, in more places for the benefit of more people.”
