Supporting Charities

Charity appeals are an important part of the BBC's role as a public service broadcaster. The appeals we broadcast now aim to raise awareness on the work of a wide range of different UK charities, and encourage donations by the public.

How do we do it?

The BBC runs a number of its own charities, which have fundraising programmes and related events across BBC platforms. These include:

• BBC Children in Need
• BBC Performing Arts Fund
• BBC Wildlife Fund
• BBC World Service Trust – find out more on this site's Global page

We also work in close association with Comic Relief and Sport Relief who alternate their fundraising broadcasts on BBC One every year. In addition we encourage charitable donations to other UK charities through broadcast appeals which include the weekly appeals on BBC Radio 4, and the monthly Lifeline appeal on BBC One. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English regions carry their own local appeals, and serious emergencies are given special airtime.

Do Something Different!

The 2009 BBC Children in Need appeal is on its way and we're asking you to "Do Something Different" – to get out there and fundraise in a unique way.

Children in Need aims to change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK, and in 2008 they raised £38,000,000!

The team are busy all year round, making sure all money raised finds its way to those who need it the most. In the last year, grants been given to over 700 different charities across the country, with remits ranging from supporting babies and children through The Bubble Foundation Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, to helping communities at Marsh Farm in Luton, where teenagers have been inspired through a grant funded project enabling them to create a theatre production about Bob Marley.

Every penny raised by Children in Need goes to help babies, children and young people who need it.

Find out more about Children in Need at bbc.co.uk/pudsey/

This year, on 20th November, it's the 30th BBC Children in Need Appeal, which means its also Sir Terry's 30th Appeal!