Reed Foundation

The Reed Foundation, established in 1972 by Sir Alec Reed, founder of the Reed Group, is a UK charitable foundation owning 18% of the company to fuel substantial philanthropy. Its core mission advances general charitable aims, including education and training, health, poverty relief, overseas aid, arts and culture, and environmental causes, embodying Reed's ethos that business must drive societal impact—exemplified by employees effectively donating one day's work weekly to charity. Best known for creating The Big Give, the UK's largest match-funding platform, which has facilitated over £364 million to 2,800+ charities by 2024 (aiming for £1 billion by 2030), the Foundation champions innovation through staff-nominated grants, prizes like the £1 million Sir Alec Reed Prize for youth mental health and employment, and campaigns for COVID-19 relief and Ukraine aid.

It funds a broad spectrum of projects for charities and individuals, spanning core costs, capacity building, emergency relief, strategic initiatives, and unrestricted support—from grassroots groups to national organisations—prioritising high-impact work in England and Wales, with some international efforts via UK partners. Key programmes include The Big Give's match-funding campaigns (e.g., Arts for Impact, Christmas Challenge) and weekly £10,000 staff-nominated donations to UK charities.

Eligible applicants are strictly UK-registered charities; unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding occurs via direct invitations, staff nominations, or The Big Give portal. No income thresholds apply, supporting all sizes. Typical grants range £1,000–£50,000, with larger strategic awards possible. No fixed deadlines for direct funding; Big Give campaigns have specific dates (e.g., Christmas Challenge 2025 closes 15 January 2026). Distinctively, it catalyses collective giving, leverages employee engagement, and avoids open calls, focusing on pre-vetted, innovative philanthropy for maximum societal leverage.