What is the Christmas Challenge mentorship scheme?
The scheme is available only for Christmas Challenge campaigns. It connects a charity with experience of the Christmas Challenge with a charity taking part for the first time, so they can share knowledge and ask questions.
How does the scheme work?
Big Give introduces the charities by email. After the introduction, the charities get to know each other, ask questions and decide how they will work together. Big Give leaves them to arrange their own mentoring relationship.
How can our charity become a mentor?
Big Give emails interest forms to charities that have already participated in the Christmas Challenge, inviting them to become mentors. Complete the form to express your interest.
What can we discuss with a mentor?
Useful topics include campaign timelines, supporter communications, social media, email appeals and campaign resources. The Cycle’s mentoring example shows how charities have shared practical ideas. Bring the questions that matter most to your charity.
How should we prepare for mentoring?
Share a short campaign outline, your target and the main challenges you face. Prepare a few questions and any draft plans you would like feedback on. Stripey Stork’s case study describes preparing questions for an experienced mentor.
How often should we be in contact?
The charities agree their own arrangements after the email introduction, including how and when to communicate. Discuss what support would be useful and what time each charity can offer.
Will our mentor run the campaign for us?
Treat mentoring as advice and shared experience. Your team should continue to own the campaign plan, supporter communications and delivery, using the mentor’s suggestions where they suit your charity.
Does mentorship guarantee funding or a successful campaign?
Mentorship supports your preparation. Champion funding is awarded separately at the funder’s discretion, and reaching your target still depends on your fundraising. Do not treat participation in mentoring as a funding offer.
Who should answer questions about campaign rules or technical problems?
Use Big Give’s Christmas Challenge guidance for campaign rules and deadlines. Send account, payment or technical queries to hello@biggive.org. A mentor’s experience is useful, but it should not replace confirmation from Big Give on these points.