The Guardian's annual Hope appeal is on the cusp of a major milestone, having raised more than £850,000 with just days remaining. The campaign aims to hit a £1 million target to support five grassroots charities working to combat division, racism, and hatred across the UK.
Readers Rally Against Division
Thousands of Guardian readers have contributed to the 2025 appeal, which supports five key charity partners: Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, and Who is Your Neighbour?. The funds will empower these organisations to tackle the re-emergence of what they describe as "1970s-style racism," anti-migrant rhetoric, extremism, and harassment.
The appeal has clearly resonated with the newspaper's audience. One donor emailed to express their deep concern about the "division being sown between people in the UK," adding that bringing people together is a powerful mitigation. Another stated they were "appalled" by hateful and divisive rhetoric from politicians and wanted to support those helping people in need, regardless of background.
Charities Fostering Empathy and Practical Change
All five beneficiary charities run practical projects designed to build trust, foster empathy, and create positive change in local communities. Their work spans a wide range of issues, from affordable housing and youth clubs to arts projects and food banks.
Guardian coverage has highlighted their impactful efforts. This includes a dramatic account by Josh Halliday of how Citizens UK, alongside local faith groups, faced down a threatened racist attack on a Liverpool refugee support centre in 2024.
Furthermore, a film by Taj Ali featured the work of Locality member Back on the Map, which is revitalising a Sunderland neighbourhood affected by far-right riots, also in 2024. Ali also collaborated with Who Is Your Neighbour? to produce a short film on navigating difficult conversations about race and immigration.
A Final Push for Hope
As the appeal enters its final phase, the chair of the Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, Gurinder Josan Singh, expressed profound gratitude. "We are incredibly grateful to the Guardian readers for your generous support," Singh said. "We believe by funding local organisations at the forefront of the fight against hate and division, your donations will make a huge difference in bringing people together and building hope."
The campaign underscores a powerful public response to societal fractures, channelling resources directly to community-level initiatives that promote understanding and cohesion across the United Kingdom.
