The Christmas Challenge is an annual campaign run by funding platform The Big Give, which raises millions of pounds each year for good causes. This year, the Brass Foundations team at Brass Bands England (BBE) have taken up the challenge in order to secure funds towards delivery of their education programme.
Brass Foundations, which began life in January 2021, is a thriving national initiative of brass music opportunities delivered by a team of five Youth Brass Development Specialists, each based in a different area of England. The dedicated team hope to raise £1,000 in just one week to contribute matched funding for the next stage.
All donations, no matter what value ‘match’ an existing pledge pot and 100% of funds raised cover tuition costs for disadvantaged children and young people to pick up a brass instrument for the first time.
Brass Foundations, which takes children from their first taster session right through to performance at the National Youth Brass Band Championships, has so far reached over 6,472 young people in rural areas and deprived towns and across England, as well as raised the profile of brass banding with press coverage on Radio 4 and Sky News. The Brass Foundations team have created a wealth of resources for brass music for schools and local community brass bands, and supported the creation and development of 15 new youth brass ensembles.
By the end of 2023, Brass Foundations aims to have involved 10,000 children and young people in a range of activities, from personalised brass instrument workshops to their first performance at BBE’s annual #PromsInThePlayground event.
Sarah Baumann, Programme and Education Manager at Brass Bands England, commented: “Brass Foundations is so integral to the work we are doing at BBE to support the future of our sector, levelling-up access by giving as many young people as possible the chance to start their brass band journey. The Big Give's Christmas campaign helps us to raise public awareness, double funds pledged to date and support what the team is delivering so more children can take part”.
With pledges in matched funding already secured, just £800 will be sought from the general public in online donations during the 7 days of the Christmas Challenge, which opens at 12pm on #GivingTuesday (29th November). The campaign will close at 12pm the following Tuesday 6th December 2022.
How can I help?
On Tuesday 29 November, visit theBigGive.org.uk to make your donation to Brass Foundations from midday, to support the team to continue their work.
Set a reminder and add the campaign page to it so you remember not to miss your chance to double your donation. You can also register for the BBE newsletter or follow on social media for reminders.