The Opportunity
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.
Despite this, the funding landscape for arts charities remains challenging, with more competition for funding, while costs continue to rise.
The second annual Arts for Impact campaign, delivered by Big Give and Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (FPAC), took place in March 2025. The campaign aimed to raise money to support arts charities making a transformational difference to people in their communities – from music, theatre, and dance to museums, galleries, and literature.
The Process
Charities were invited to apply for the campaign in Autumn 2024. There was a 45% increase in applications from the previous year, underlining the need for funding in the sector. 286 charities were successful of the 440 applications received, each being allocated a match funding pot to underpin their own campaign.
In February, Big Give ran training seminars for charities and provided PR and comms support nationally. Each participating charity then ran its own targeted campaign on the Big Give platform, which provides an easy way for donors to support. The campaign ran from 18 to 25 March 2025. 93% of match funding was used and a total of £2.75 million was raised.
The Outcome
Key headlines included:
- £2.75 million raised in partnership with Big Give
- 286 arts and cultural organisations were supported with 13,672 individual donations.
- 51% of donations to charities were from new supporters
- 94% of organisations were happy with return of investment (ROI) of the campaign, 93% reported an increase confidence in digital fundraising skills, and 95% received a donation from a new supporter
“Just to express our huge gratitude, once again. The whole team and Board really enjoy participating in The Big Give; it gives the team confidence in making the ask; gives us a great hook to hang our campaign on; brings our supporters close and allows them to feel part of something significant; the time limited nature gives us a real sense of energy and achievement. And of course, it helps us raise valuable funds for our work!” Theatre Centre Limited
“The response to this year’s Arts for Impact campaign has been phenomenal. The arts are a vital force for good, providing comfort, inspiration, and opportunities for connection across communities. We are thrilled to see so many people rally behind these essential causes.” Sir Vernon Ellis, Chair of FPAC and member of the Figurative Board
Case Studies
Among the charities involved was The Music Works (a Figurative portfolio member), 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 Philharmonia Ltd, 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.’
Conclusion
For a second year, the Arts for Impact campaign raised a huge amount for the sector bringing the total raised to over £5.6 million pounds over two years.
This year alone, over 51% of donations to participating charities were from new supporters, helping bring more – and much needed – new philanthropy into the sector.
