Any donation from £50 to £50,000 received between 19 June and 19 December, will be matched £ for £ - and so will your impact.
Thanks to the generosity of two Be the Spark Benefactors, every pound you give during this period will be doubled, from a challenge fund of up to an incredible £250,000.
This special opportunity means your support will go twice as far. Your gift of £50 becomes £100, or £500 becomes £1,000 - enough to deliver a free Science in Schools visit to a school in an underserved area.
Help us turn £250,000 into half a million! Your support will be transformational.
Join us and you can Be the Spark.
What is a Challenge Fund?
A Challenge Fund, also known as matched funding, is a fundraising initiative where eligible donations are doubled by a fund committed to motivate donor behaviours. This means that for every £1 you give, the Ri receives £2, until either the funding period ends or the fund is exhausted. It’s a powerful way to increase the impact of your support.
Where does the challenge money come from?
The challenge fund has been generously established by private donors who believe in the Ri’s mission. They are hoping to inspire broader participation by motivating others and doubling the impact of new funds raised.
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome to take part - individuals, grant-giving trusts and foundations, and corporate supporters alike.
What gifts are eligible?
All donations received towards the Ri’s charitable activities between 19 June and 19 December will be matched, while funds remain.
- Donations between £50 and £50,000 will be matched pound-for-pound.
- If you donate more than £50,000, only the first £50,000 will be eligible for matching.
- This applies to new donations only. Previously pledged or recurring gifts are not eligible.
What do the funds raised support?
Funds raised will support the Ri’s charitable work, including public engagement, science education in schools, digital content, and outreach to underrepresented communities.
I am a Patron, is my renewal eligible?
Renewals of existing Patron subscriptions are not eligible to be matched. However, donations outside your Patronage or upgrades can be matched.
What happens if the match fund runs out?
We will stop the challenge fund appeal, notify those who have contributed and celebrate when the fund is exhausted. After that, your gift will still be gratefully received and directly support our charitable mission.