Comic Relief is a major charity based in the United Kingdom, with a vision of A Just World Free from Poverty.
For over 40 years, Comic Relief has entertained and inspired people to give generously to support people living incredibly tough lives. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried and enjoyed many incredible moments along the way.
We know that when people come together to do something to fight poverty through humour, and fun, for communities here in the UK and around the world, great things can happen. Together, we’ve helped over 105 million people.
Comic Relief supports approaches to social change that offer something different, think outside the box or offer new thinking to achieve profound impact. With our support, people change their lives. You can read their stories here.
In 2023 we launched a new strategy, focusing on three key areas.
1. Alleviating poverty’s consequences and grip on people’s daily lives
We fund programmes that help people and communities overcome the many challenges they face.
Reducing the impact of poverty on daily lives through access to resources and meaningful support focusing on those most impacted and marginalised.
2. Tackling injustices that keep people in poverty
We support organisations and movements that strive for fairness and equity.
Strengthening community led organisations pursuing equity and justice for people experiencing poverty.
3. Standing with those in poverty harmed by climate change
We work in places with people who are already vulnerable and now dealing with the effects of climate change.
Identifying and supporting community led solutions to mitigate against, adapt to and protect against climate change.
Our Vision
A Just World Free From Poverty.
We believe everyone should be able to have a decent standard of living. To live life with dignity and respect.
Our Mission
Our goal is to drive positive change through the power of entertainment.
We use the power of humour and popular culture to engage people to help others and raise money to support organisations in the UK and around the world, working towards a Just World Free From Poverty.
Our mission combines Comic and Relief. We believe that helping others, whilst challenging, can be fun, even in the face of grave issues around us. We believe this because we’ve seen the power of people coming together to create change, through big campaigns like Red Nose Day and Sport Relief and small everyday acts, over our 40 year history.
We know that a better world is possible. We believe that those closest to the issues have the best solutions, so we partner with amazing projects and organisations and provide funding to those organisations tackling poverty and injustice to make change happen.
Our Values
This year we launched our cultural charter showing our values, dial-up behaviours and the commitments we make to each other. Our core values are:
Make meaningful change
Impact
Have a sense of humour, always
Creativity
Break down barriers
Progress
Make it personal
Accountability
If you would like to read more on the values, please read our Cultural Charter.
Our Impact
For Red Nose Day in 2024, we raised an amazing £44.8m on the day alone.
Some Key Headlines from the financial year 2023-24:
- £29m grants awarded.
- 160 grants awarded to organisations working towards a Just World Free from Poverty.
- We saw a 50% increase in donations from the public on Red Nose Day alone.
- 11+ million Red Nose Day gifts sent on TikTok raising £542,000, the largest amount of money raised by a TikTok charity gifting partnership ever!
For more information on our impact do read our 2023-24 Annual Report.
Building an Inclusive Culture
We recognise diversity and inclusion is a source of strength in achieving our mission. We, therefore, welcome everyone, trusting what makes us different brings creativity, different styles and experiences to help us collectively do our best work.
That’s regardless of your gender identity, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, and social class.
Inclusivity
We are on a journey, but if you join our team, you will be part of a community that is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where we want you to:
- Be valued for being yourself
- Do your best work, and be supported to break down barriers so you can succeed
- Be heard, respected, and treated as an equal, whatever your level, experience or background
- Be part of a team that is committed to making this happen – with our colleagues, partners, and contributors
How We Are Funded
Our Funding strategy focuses our attention on the following key areas:
- Alleviating poverty’s consequences and grip on people’s daily lives
- Tackling the injustices that keep people in poverty
- Standing with those in poverty who are most harmed by climate change
How the money is raised:
Red Nose Day 2025 and our annual Night of TV raised £36m and counting, thanks to generous donations from the public and their fundraising activities, and the continued support of our institutional and corporate partners.
In the 2024 financial year, in addition to Red Nose Day raising £44.8 million, we also raised £14 million from our winter appeal, gift aid, and other income. This has resulted in a net surplus before investment gains of £7.5m compared to last year’s restated surplus of £2.5m. This meant that last year, we increased every £1 donated by the public to £1.48 through gift aid, partnerships and match-funding. For every £1 raised, Comic Relief spent 75p on charitable activities. With each £1 on charitable activities going on:
- 93p tackling poverty and social injustice
- 3p monitoring and evaluation
- 4p on global awareness, education and social change
How We Are Run
We’re led by a dedicated, knowledgeable Board of Trustees. They, alongside a number of Committees, steer our CEO and team of directors, who lead Comic Relief’s employees in carrying out the day-to-day activities of the organisation.
In addition, and free from a governance role, are our Founder, and Honorary Life Presidents, who use their extensive creativity and experience to support Comic Relief.
For more information on our team, please visit our site here.