Big Give’s Christmas Challenge weeklong match funding campaign launches today on Giving Tuesday with a record 1,589 charities set to benefit.

Through the matchfunding platform's annual event the public’s donations are matched by Big Give’s funding partners, who this year have provided £25.6m.

Last year’s record total of £44.7m raised during the event saw it surpass totals raised through established telethons such as BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief at the time.

This November BBC Children in Need leapt ahead of Big Give, raising £45.5m on the night.

“We were thrilled last year when the Christmas Challenge became the UK’s biggest public fundraiser, and this year we are aiming to go further,” said Big Give chair James Reed.

He added: “Match funding is a simple idea, but a brilliant one, and we know our donors love the fact that their money ends up going twice as far.”

This year’s funding partners include: The Reed Foundation, The Childhood Trust, The Reed Educational Trust Ltd, The Coles-Medlock Foundation, The Julia Rausing Trust, Monday Charitable Trust, AKO Foundation, BeauxArtz, Shanly Foundation, The Symondson Foundation, Candis Club, PlanAid, and AESSEAL.

Among charities involved is London Youth Choirs, whose honorary patron Gareth Malone said: “The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the perfect way to amplify your generosity. Doubling donations is a fantastic incentive to give.”

Another is Action for ME, whose supporter Mark Bonnar added: “Charities like Action for ME are facing unprecedented demand, which is why Big Give’s Christmas Challenge is a vital lifeline.

“By donating through the campaign, you ensure your contribution is matched by a champion, meaning anything you can give to support the 404,000 adults and children in the UK affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) is instantly doubled. Please do give what you can and double the difference.”

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