The second annual Arts for Impact campaign, delivered by Big Give and Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture, has raised £2.7m to support arts charities making a transformational difference in their communities.
The campaign ran from 18 to 25 March 2025 and received over 13,500 public donations, which were doubled using £1.2m in match funding secured from a range of philanthropic champions. Arts for Impact supporters were able to search for charities across the UK to find ones that had personal meaning to them or their community.
Arts charities make up 15% of the UK’s registered charities. Whether it’s a museum preserving history, a festival celebrating young voices, or a choir supporting mental health for the elderly, each inspiring organisation relies on donations to continue their vital work.
Among the charities involved was The Music Works (pictured), which uses music to build confidence, improve mental wellbeing and develop essential skills for brighter futures. It raised £43,950. Jordan, a young participant of the organisation’s Creative Careers Programme, said: “The Music Works really builds your confidence… It challenges you in a safe environment and facilitates growth.”
Another organisation that took part, raising £30,045, was Chichester Festival Youth Theatre (CFYT) – a special place where young people create, learn, make friends, develop skills, and have fun. A parent of a CFYT member attending with a bursary explained how “the sessions have been absolutely brilliant for my home-schooled and very shy daughter. They have literally transformed her week. She thoroughly enjoys them, has learned a lot, has made new friends and feels safe and happy to come along each week. We couldn’t ask for more. Thank you.”
Hear and Now, by the Philharmonia, raised £22,729 to continue its intergenerational community project that brings together those affected by dementia, their carers, and young people to share stories and collaborate creatively. A programme participant said: ‘I’ve been coming to Hear and Now for years. I find it a challenge, and it makes you use your brain more and enjoy learning new things.”
