Celebrating 25 years this year, Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation (CSSF), is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025, the UK’s biggest match-funding campaign. For one week only, from 2–9 December, every donation made to CSSF through the Big Give will be doubled, giving supporters the chance to make twice the impact for young people across the country.
Marking a quarter of a century, CSSF is aiming higher than ever, seeking to raise £90,000 (over £100,000 with Gift Aid) to support core programmes in 2026. These funds will offer even more children access to the confidence-building, creative opportunities they deserve.
Thanks to generous match funders, any donation made during the campaign week will be doubled, but only while matched funds last. Any remaining match funds will be lost at the end of the campaign. To ensure your gift has twice the impact, donations must be made via the Big Give between 12pm on Tuesday 2 December and 12pm on Tuesday 9 December.
Access to creative education is not equal in the UK, resulting in many young people struggling to build the confidence, skills and ambition to succeed. The dramatic decline of drama and expressive arts in schools has reduced opportunities for self-expression, teamwork and the development of young people’s communication skills. Some 41% of schools now enter no students for GCSE Drama, and the gap is widest in communities facing disadvantage.
A recent report from the National Oracy Commission highlights the urgent need to strengthen young people’s speaking and listening skills – skills that shape confidence, wellbeing and lifelong opportunity. Teachers also continue to seek inclusive opportunities where SEND learners can thrive alongside their mainstream peers. CSSF’s programmes directly address these needs.
Since CSSF’s first Festival in 2000, the charity has reached over 350,000 young people through workshops, programmes and the annual Theatre Festival. In this milestone 25th year, CSSF is renewing its commitment to empowering the next generation. By 2030, the aim is to reach another 50,000 young people, ensuring every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to shine. Your support this December will help CSSF to continue delivering inclusive, confidence-building creative experiences for children across the UK.
To double your donation between 2 and 9 December, please donate via the Big Give Christmas Challenge here.