In a year marked by social division, anger, and unrest across the UK and beyond, extremist violence and rhetoric have surged, with the demonization of migrants reaching unprecedented levels. Far-right activists are marching in the streets, and NHS nurses, care workers, and charities are facing abuse reminiscent of “1970s-style racism.”
Amidst this toxic environment, The Guardian is launching its 2025 charity appeal this Friday, focusing unapologetically on hope. The initiative aims to support grassroots charities that nurture community pride and positive change, providing a powerful antidote to polarization, distrust, and hate.
The Role of Grassroots Charities
Our partner charities and the projects they support are united in the belief that, regardless of how loud the forces of hate and division become, they will never drown out the values shared by the vast majority: tolerance, compassion, and common humanity. Many local communities face enormous challenges due to the erosion of public services, communal spaces, and civic infrastructure.
Rising inequality, driven by austerity and a broken economic model, has led to widespread resentment. For too many, poverty is deeply entrenched, and dreams of a better future for themselves and their children have been shattered. Trust in politicians and institutions is fragile, as misinformation and conspiracy theories spread through social media and the right-wing press, distorting and souring public debate.
Building Resilience Through Community
The Guardian is committed to reporting on fresh ideas, not only critiquing the state of the world, because we believe that the way things are isn’t the way they need to be. The work of our partner charities offers examples of practical and inspiring options. These charities operate in some of the UK’s most economically deprived areas, campaigning for better housing, improved health services, and thriving high streets.
They help restore abandoned libraries, parks, and community centers. They run food banks, jobs and skills initiatives, youth and sports clubs, drop-in centers, arts projects, neighborhood festivals, and refugee welcome initiatives. They help to build hope.
Community-Led Initiatives
Their achievements are grounded in the way they approach their work. It is locally led and focused, built around respectful, empathetic, and honest conversations about what matters to people. It brings together neighbors, cultures, and faiths to find common values and drive positive change. They make connections and build relationships, hope, and resilience. They offer a true antidote to division and despair, focusing on what unites rather than what divides us.
As Locality, one of our charity appeal partners, puts it: “Our communities are the beating heart of a fairer society and a defense against hatred – places where everyone should feel safe, valued, and that they belong. Now, more than ever, we must invest in hope, and in the people who make it real, day after day, on the ground.”
Impact and Future Prospects
Charity alone can never make up for the divisions in our society, the extreme inequality, our damaged public services, and years of austerity. But The Guardian appeal showcases what is possible. It is a tribute to those whose voluntary efforts transform individual lives and communities, in the public interest, and a celebration of social justice. Your donations will make a real difference.
Donations will be shared between our five appeal partners: Citizens UK, The Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, and Who is Your Neighbour? Each champions practical initiatives to change their communities for the better.
How to Support the Appeal
Over the next few weeks, we will highlight our partner charities’ work. Our charity appeal telethon takes place on Saturday, December 13, when our journalists will take your calls and donations. The Guardian Bookshop will donate 20p from every order received until December 31 to the appeal.
Over the past decade, Guardian readers have raised an incredible £15 million for good causes through our annual appeal. Themes have included refugees and asylum seekers, child poverty, the climate crisis, the Windrush scandal, and support for victims of war and conflict. Your generosity has been very moving. We hope we can inspire you to donate once again.
