When Comic Relief was founded in 1985 the idea was a simple one – use comedy and laughter to raise money and change lives.
Our vision is a just world free from poverty.
Our mission is positive change through the power of entertainment.
We strive to achieve our goals through inspiring people who don’t normally do charity to do charity, and engaging and involving the general public in events and projects that are innovative and fun.
Grant making
The money we raise is allocated to a wide range of grants and social investments aimed at delivering real and longlasting change to the poorest, most vulnerable people at home and across the world; as well as informing the public, and young people in particular, about global citizenship and the underlying causes of extreme poverty. In 2006/07 we made grants totalling £66 million – £23 million in the UK and £43 million internationally.
Fundraising
In addition to our traditional charitable fundraising delivered through our two major fundraising campaigns, Red Nose Day and Sport Relief, we raise money from a variety of sources:
On the business side of things, Comic Relief works with key corporate partners to produce profitable products and promotions. The clearest example of this is the Red Nose that is the emblem of Comic Relief. In 2007 we raised over £6 million from the sale of noses. Where possible our products tie-in with Comic Relief’s commitment to delivering benefits through Fairtrade.
Funding also comes via the creativity made available to the charity. Comedians from time to time offer access to brands like Little Britain for commercial advantage and the charity also develops and owns sub-brands like Robbie the Reindeer and Monkey. In addition Comic Relief raises funds by licensing its core brands to international partners and has recently created a new charity in America which raised $75million this year.
Our Promise
In order to run itself in a professional and effective way Comic Relief incurs necessary costs. Raising funds, making grants and organisational overheads cost real money. Despite these costs, Comic Relief is still able to promise that for every pound the charity gets directly from the public, a pound goes to help transform the lives of people living with poverty and social injustice. If Red Nose Day raises £50 million, Comic Relief will spend at least £50 million doing just that.
It can make this promise because its operating budget is covered in cash or in kind from all types of supporters like corporate sponsors and donors, suppliers, generous individuals and government (including Gift Aid) as well as from investment income and interest.
