The third annual Arts for Impact campaign, delivered by Figurative’s philanthropy team in partnership with Big Give, raised an impressive £3.2 million for 280 arts and culture charities delivering transformative work in communities across the UK.
Over the past three years, the campaign has cumulatively raised £8.8 million, helping hundreds of charities bring arts and culture to even more communities.
The campaign, which ran from 17th to 24th March 2026, demonstrated the public’s enduring commitment to the arts. The initiative received over 13,500 donations, with every pound matched by champion partners to double the impact for participating organisations.
Other key statistics:
- The total was 16% up on last year’s Arts For Impact total
- Average donation of £109.
- Over 80% of charities hit their fundraising targets
Match funding was provided by a coalition of philanthropists and foundations, including The Reed Foundation and AKO Foundation, and Arts Council England.
Together, the campaign enabled the public to support grassroots organisations using creativity to tackle major social challenges, from improving mental health and reducing loneliness to providing free creative education for disadvantaged young people.
From 64 charities based in Greater London to 66 organisations working nationwide, the campaign’s impact will be felt across the UK, supporting projects spanning music, theatre, visual arts and heritage.
Sir Vernon Ellis, FPAC Founder and Trustee of Figurative, added: “I am delighted by the success of this Arts for Impact campaign, the third such campaign organised in partnership between FPAC and Big Give. It is a powerful demonstration of how strategic philanthropy can drive real social change through culture. By championing organisations across the UK, we can help bring the wonder of arts – whether music or dance, visual arts or theatre – to more people, strengthen communities and create the kind of transformational impact that can change lives.”
James Reed CBE, Chair of Trustees for Big Give, said: “We are delighted to have helped 280 incredibly worthwhile charities raise such essential funds. Arts charities play an important role in many communities, yet they face significant operational hurdles, not least rising costs. It is heartening to see the public respond so generously, using our match funding platform to ensure their contributions go twice as far for the causes they care about.”
Tonya Nelson, Executive Director, Enterprise and Innovation, Arts Council England, said: “It has been such a joy to support the 2026 Arts for Impact campaign. From Hastings to Stoke-on-Trent, from Bridport to Bishop Auckland, and everywhere in between, we’re proud to have boosted funding for arts and cultural organisations – especially in the communities that need it most – through the incentive of our match-funding. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
Impact in action: Voices from the 2026 Campaign
World Heart Beat Music Academy
The charity raised £50,000 to support disadvantaged children with free music tuition, instruments and a safe, joyful community space. Through music-making, young people build confidence, improve wellbeing and develop a sense of belonging.
A student shared, “World Heart Beat is the one place I can be myself. When I’m here, I feel safe, and everything feels lighter.’ ‘I was always looking after everyone else. Here I finally get space for me. It’s helped me grow in confidence.’”
The charity raised £55,929 to fund free and subsidised art and nature workshops for schools, inspiring creativity, wellbeing and imagination in 6,500 children who might not otherwise visit a gallery across Warwickshire and the Midlands
A nursery headteacher shared, “All the sessions were planned so well, and all the staff made every member of our nursery feel welcome … We have had so many comments about how much the children enjoyed the day … You have made such an impact in our young people’s knowledge and understanding of art, expression and creativity!”
To find out more about Big Give visit here.
