The Guardian has announced its 2025 charity appeal, focusing on hope as a response to rising social division, extremism, and racism in the UK. The appeal will support five grassroots charities: Citizens UK, The Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, and Who is Your Neighbour? These organisations work in economically deprived areas to rebuild community pride and counter polarisation.
According to the Guardian, the past year has seen escalating far-right activism, abuse of NHS workers and migrants, and a resurgence of “1970s-style racism”. The appeal aims to invest in local initiatives that foster tolerance, compassion, and common humanity. Partner charities run food banks, youth clubs, arts projects, and refugee welcome schemes, as well as campaigns for better housing and health services.
Locality, one of the partner charities, stated: “Our communities are the beating heart of a fairer society and a defence 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.”
The Guardian will highlight the charities' work in the coming weeks, with a telethon on 13 December. Donations will be split equally among the five partners. The Guardian Bookshop will also donate 20p from every order received by 31 December. Over the past decade, readers have raised £15m through the annual appeal for causes including refugees, child poverty, and the climate crisis.
