What is the Big Arts Give?
The Big Arts Give is a new challenge fund scheme to help arts organisations build and develop the income they receive via individual giving. Through this scheme, which we have devised with The Reed Foundation and The Big Give, we aim to see £3million donated to the arts by Christmas.
Why is this important? Our research shows that individual giving is a significant and vital source of private income for the arts in the UK. Building on this research and our experience of the sector, we have recently been consulting on our Private Sector Policy for the Arts. The establishment of a challenge fund to stimulate individual philanthropy for the arts is one of our five priority recommendations contained in the policy.
How can arts organisations unlock new giving from individuals?
The Big Give has already helped raise £millions from individual donors for charity, however, The Big Arts Give is the first time that a dedicated arts and culture challenge fund has been established. In this pilot year, we aim to promote this new approach for the benefit of organisations wishing to develop new relationships with givers. It is not about ‘quick-fix fundraising’, but should be used by arts organisations to help foster a culture of life-long giving.
How does it work?
Together with philanthropist Alec Reed, we have established an initial challenge fund of £500,000. This fund is to be used to encourage a further £2.5million from existing networks and the public. There will be on online ‘challenge’ starting in early December promoting arts projects and organisations for the public to support. Applications to join the scheme may be made up until 9 July.
Find out more
The Big Arts Give is open to UK registered charities and we are calling for arts and cultural organisations of all scales and from all parts of the UK to take part. We are holding free events around the country to explain more and we will be posting more information and details on how to apply in the next couple of weeks. Click here to find a launch event near you. Click here to find a launch event near you
In association with
Read more about the Big Arts Give