Guardian Charity Appeal 2025 Raises Over £200,000 for Grassroots Charities
The Guardian charity appeal 2025 has raised more than £200,000 in its first week to support five grassroots charities: Citizens UK, The Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited, and Who Is Your Neighbour?. This milestone was achieved ahead of the annual fundraising telethon scheduled for Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, during which a 40-strong Guardian team will take donation calls on the hotline 0203 353 4368.
The appeal highlights practical community projects such as The Linking Network's Bradford interfaith programme and Locality’s Back In The Room initiative in Sunderland, which responds to the aftermath of the 2024 riots influenced by far-right rhetoric. These charities work to unite communities around issues including affordable housing, youth clubs, arts schemes, community centres, and refugee welcome projects. Their efforts aim to build resilience, foster relationships, and promote hope and pride while actively countering hatred.
Matthew Bolton, chief executive of Citizens UK, expressed gratitude to readers for their support. Funds raised will be used to provide mentoring and placements for young organisers, as well as training for community leaders to challenge divisive narratives.
Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner framed the appeal as a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of supporting grassroots communities as a vital antidote to polarisation and hate.
