A small charity match funding campaign has raised £2.6m for 253 good causes.

This is the second year the week long campaign has been running, with the total money raised up on last year’s inaugural tally of £1.89m. Last year’s event had benefitted 189 small charities.

The campaign takes place during Small Charities Week at the end of June and is run by match funding platform Big Give, media firm Global and charity infrastructure body NCVO.

NCVO chief executive Kate Lee said: “At a time when small charities are facing serious challenges, this incredible level of support will make a real difference, helping them continue to provide the vital services their communities rely on.

“This year’s substantial increase in funds raised highlights just how crucial this match funding campaign is."

Donations made by the public were doubled by £1.2m in match funding from the campaign’s funders that include philanthropists, foundations and Postcode Lottery players.

A total of 9,500 donations from the public were received.

Among charities supported is Joseph’s Smile, which was set up in memory of three-year old Joseph who passed away from Neuroblastoma in 2021.

“Small charities are the backbone of our communities; they see the detail, they understand the people, and they respond with compassion and care in a way that’s deeply personal,” said the charity’s ambassador Lee Mead.

“Joseph’s Smile is a perfect example of how dedication and kindness, especially in the depths of a family's grief, can create hope and change lives, and I’m so proud to stand alongside them in their daily mission.”

Big Give chair James Reed added: “We're delighted that this year's Small Charity Week match funding campaign has inspired such a generous response from the public.

“The funds raised will help charities continue their important work and support more people facing challenges in their communities. We'd like to thank everyone who helped make the campaign such a success."

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