This year's Big Give Christmas Challenge match funding campaign has raised a record £28.6m for more than 1,000 charities.

This is up £4.5m on last year’s total of £24.1m, according to organisers the Big Give, which said the campaign’s match funding element, through foundations and philanthropists, helped encourage people to donate despite the cost-of-living crisis.

This year’s campaign launched on Giving Tuesday (November 29) and ran until noon December 6.

Funders offering match funding include The Reed Foundation, The Childhood Trust, Julia & Hans Rausing Trust and Candis.

“We are overwhelmed by the level of support people have shown during this year’s Christmas Challenge, which has raised a record sum despite the adverse economic climate,” said Big Give managing director Alex Day.

“Our mission is simple, to multiply the impact of generous giving. This has been particularly important this year. To be able to support over 1,000 charities taking part in the Christmas Challenge campaign at a time when their work is never more needed is a huge privilege.

“We know that match funding resonates with the public, who have responded to the idea of doubling their donations at a time when everyone is feeling the squeeze. It once again reiterates the generosity of the British public.”

Among charities to benefit is children and young people’s organisation Wave Project, which raised £50,000 from donations.

Nearly £50k raised in 4 days for children and young people’s #mentalhealth 🌟 Huge thanks to everyone who has supported us so far 🙏

All donations will be *doubled* until we hit our target. Please keep supporting, please keep donating #thebiggive https://t.co/8jqhHnVn8V pic.twitter.com/AEFsfKFGrD

— Wave Project (@WaveProject) December 2, 2022

Another is Vision Foundation, which raised more than £50,000 to support blind and partially sighted people impacted by domestic abuse.

Thank you so much for your incredible support during #TheBigGive Christmas Challenge. We did it! 🥳

With your help, we flew past our target, raising over £50,000! We can now deliver essential services to blind and partially sighted people impacted by domestic abuse. Thank you 💙 pic.twitter.com/dMlhuOPiMu

— Vision Foundation (@Vision_Fdn) December 6, 2022

More than 80,000 people donated through this year’s Big Give, and the average donation was £163.

Celebrities backing the campaign include Dame Judi Dench, Chris Packham and Gabby Logan.

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