UK Gov Promises £6m Match for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day
The UK Government is stepping up to double public donations to Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day appeal, pledging to match fund up to £6million. The cash will back communities across Africa to take charge of their own futures.
Boost for Africa’s Local Heroes
This funding feeds into the £30million Shifting the Power programme, a joint venture by Comic Relief and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It supports grassroots civil society groups in Ghana, Zambia, and Malawi to grow stronger, more sustainable, and better represent local needs.
The focus areas include women and girls’ empowerment, early childhood development, mental health, and tackling homelessness—priorities chosen by the communities themselves to create lasting change.
Officials and Charity Chiefs Praise the Move
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for South and Central Asia, North Africa, UN and the Commonwealth, said:
“The UK Government will match fund up to £6m of public donations, pound for pound, to Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day appeal. Thanks to your generosity, locally-led organisations across Ghana, Zambia, and Malawi will bring lasting change by supporting women and girls to fulfil their potential, helping children survive and thrive, and providing mental health services and safe homes.”
Shifting the Power is set to run until 2030, continuing the UK Government’s long-term partnership with Comic Relief.
Samir Patel, CEO of Comic Relief, added:
“We’re delighted to get strong backing from the UK Government for our international work. This £6million will be devoted to local African organisations empowering women and girls, supporting young children’s development, boosting mental health support, and fighting gender inequality. This money will help the most vulnerable and make a real difference.”
