Match funding platform Big Give is inviting charities to apply for its next Christmas Challenge.

For last year’s festive fundraising event a record £57.4m was raised for more than 1,500 charities, another record for the event.

Applications for the 2026 event opened on 11 May and close at 5pm on 3 July.

The fundraiser takes place in early December to coincide with Giving Tuesday and gives participating charities the chance to double money raised from supporters through match funding from Big Give’s corporate and philanthropic partners.

Confirmed ‘Champion’ funding partners for 2026’s event include the Reed Foundation, The Childhood Trust, The Monday Charitable Trust and The Hospital Saturday Fund.

Also taking part is the St James’s Place Foundation, which is ringfencing its funding for hospice charities taking part.

“The campaign continues to demonstrate the power of collective giving, bringing together Champion funders, charities and the public to achieve extraordinary impact,” said Big Give managing director Alex Day.

“As demand for charitable services rises, the Christmas Challenge remains a vital opportunity for organisations to amplify their fundraising and reach new supporters, doubling donations at a time when generosity is at its peak.”

Celebrities promoting last year’s event included Gary Lineker, Imelda Staunton, Prue Leith, Alan Carr and Judi Dench.

---