The Green Match Fund, organised by Big Give, has achieved a significant milestone by raising a record-breaking £6.3 million. This achievement marks a 46% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the unwavering commitment to environmental conservation amidst the ongoing climate crisis.
Running for seven days, coinciding with World Earth Day, from April 18th to April 25th, the campaign rallied support for 247 impactful environmental charities working both in the UK and overseas. The vital funds raised will double the difference in the global effort to protect and preserve the planet, benefiting prominent organisations such as Rewilding Britain, Friends of the Earth, The Wildlife Trusts, and Surfers Against Sewage.
Central to this achievement is the generosity of Big Give’s match funding ‘champions’, which include leading corporations, philanthropists, and foundations. Their £3.3 million contribution effectively doubled the impact of 29,550 public donations to participating charities. Champions included People’s Postcode Lottery, The Garfield Weston Foundation and The Reed Foundation.
The campaign was run in partnership with sector experts, Environmental Funders Network, whose mission is to amplify financial support for environmental initiatives and enhance their overall impact.
The campaign garnered widespread support from media outlets such as Hello! Magazine and JCDecaux Community Channel. As well as received endorsements from a host of high-profile celebrity supporters, including Chris Packham (Bat Conservation Trust), Stephen Fry (Rainforest Trust UK), Megan McCubbin (Helping Rhinos), Monty Don (Soil Association), Adjoa Andoh (Tree Aid), Lady Marina and Lady Amelia Windsor (Blue Marine Foundation), David Oakes (David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation), Kate Humble (Bees for Development), Ben Goldsmith (Conservation Collective), Peter Egan (Helping Rhinos) and Cel Spellman (Young People’s Trust For The Environment).
James Reed CBE, Chair of Trustees for Big Give, said:
“The Green Match Fund shows what can be achieved when members of the public and our champion donors come together and double their impact. We are delighted with the record total raised. At a time when increasing the philanthropic capital flows to environmental organisations has never been more critical, our Green Match Fund empowers the charities addressing environmental challenges which impact us all.”