Guardian Hope appeal raises £950,000 for charities tackling racism and division

Generous Guardian readers have so far raised more than £950,000 as our Hope appeal supporting charities tackling social division, racism and hatred enters its final few days.The 2025 appeal, which closes at midnight on Wednesday evening, is aiming to raise £1m for grassroots voluntary organisations campaigning against extremism, anti-migrant rhetoric, and the re-emergence of “1970s-style racism”.Our five partner charities are: Citizens UK, the Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust and Who is Your Neighbour?Thousands of Guardian readers have so far given to the appeal, with many telling us via the email button on the donations page why they were delighted to donate.One said: “I’m pretty broke, and my charitable giving is mostly reserved for those suffering in war zones. But brokeness is relative, and I was inspired to make a small donation by the Saturday article by Zoe Williams. Seems such a good cause, and the case so well put, I couldn’t resist.”Kris Hopkins and Gurinder Singh spoke about finding a common cause in fighting racism. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The GuardianWilliams interviewed the Labour MP Gurinder Singh Josan and the former Tory MP Kris Hopkins, who are Hope Unlimited trustees, about how, despite being on opposite sides of the political divide, they have found common cause when it comes to fighting racism and populism.Another reader wrote: “I am finding the creeping and brazen racially prejudicial comments now entering even within my own social network very worrying. Bringing communities together, countering & challenging this polarising narrative … and healing divisions by presenting the good and necessity of our collective shared human values is vital.”One reader emailed to say: “In times like these when the far right among others are doing their worst to spread hatred and division, the work of these charities, which are building community and connections, is more crucial than ever.”Molly Conrad, a trustee at the appeal partner charity The Linking Network, said: “A huge thank you to Guardian readers for your generosity and support. Your donations will greatly support our mission to bring children from diverse backgrounds together, helping them learn from one another and embrace difference.”She added: “The encounters made possible by your generosity are an investment in a more accepting and compassionate society.”In a column at the weekend, Katharine Viner, the Guardian’s editor-in-chief, wrote: “It is not too late to give to the appeal, which closes at midnight on Wednesday evening. I’d like to thank the thousands of readers who have donated so far, and offer my gratitude in advance to those whom we hope we can still persuade to contribute.”