# Big Give

> UK-registered charities running time-limited appeals that can secure pledges and Champion match funding to double public donations during a campaign window.

A UK match-funding platform and registered charity that helps double donations to UK charities through its Champion and Pledge model, best known for the annual Christmas Challenge.

## Editorial score: 6.6 / 10

## The review

Big Give is a UK-based donation platform and registered charity that specialises in match funding, a model in which public donations to a campaign are matched, effectively doubling each gift. Founded by businessman Sir Alec Reed, the platform launched its flagship match-funding campaign, the Christmas Challenge, in 2008 and has since become one of Britain's best-known match-funding initiatives.

Big Give works exclusively with UK-registered charities, organisations holding a Charity Commission, OSCR, or Northern Ireland Charity Commission number, or equivalent tax-exempt status. Its mechanism combines money pledged by major donors with funds from 'Champion' funders; once a charity secures these commitments, public donations made during a campaign window unlock the matched amount. As a registered charity itself, Big Give relies on voluntary donor tips to help sustain the platform.

The platform's core strength is leverage: match funding lets charities raise significantly more during a campaign than they could from public donations alone, which is why it is popular with UK charities running time-limited appeals. The trade-off is that access depends on securing match-funding commitments and being accepted into a campaign, so it favours established or well-networked charities over spontaneous individual fundraisers.

Big Give is oriented toward the UK charitable sector rather than personal crowdfunding, and campaigns are typically organised around set match-funding events such as the Christmas Challenge and the Green Match Fund. Charities apply in advance and are assessed before being awarded ring-fenced match funding.

## What’s good

- Match-funding model can effectively double donations during a campaign.
- Operated by a registered UK charity, aligned with the sector it serves.
- Well-established, with the flagship Christmas Challenge running since 2008.
- Connects charities with major donors and Champion funders who provide match funding.
- Runs multiple themed campaigns through the year (Christmas Challenge, Green Match Fund, and others).

## What’s not

- Restricted to UK-registered charities, not open to individuals or non-UK organisations.
- Participation depends on securing pledges and being accepted into a match-funding campaign.
- Donations are concentrated around set campaign windows rather than always-on fundraising.
- Match funding requires upfront fundraising effort to unlock, favouring well-networked charities.

## Fees

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquartered in | GB |
| Funding model | Optional tip |
| Platform fee | 0% + tip |
| Payment processing fee | 0% + £0.00 |
| Recipient gets | £100.00 / £100 |
| Data residency | UK |
| Countries | 1 |
| Languages | 1 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-10 |

## Coverage

**Countries:** GB

**Languages:** EN

**Payment methods supported:** Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Pay By Bank

**Website:** https://biggive.org


## FAQ

### What does Big Give charge?

Big Give charges a 0% platform fee with an optional voluntary donor tip on top, plus 0% + £0.00 in payment processing per donation.

### Where is Big Give based?

Big Give was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in GB. Data residency is UK.

### Which countries does Big Give operate in?

Big Give operates in 1 countries including major European markets and English-speaking markets.

### Is Big Give suitable for nonprofits?

Big Give’s primary audience is individual fundraisers and groups; nonprofits can use the platform but may find specialized alternatives better suited.