The RSN is delighted to announce that we have been selected to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025, aiming to raise £45,000 in support of the RSN Collection & Archive.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge is the UK’s largest match-funding campaign, bringing together charities, match funders, and the public to maximise the impact of every donation.

This December, supporters from around the world will have the opportunity to double their donation and help us preserve and share the RSN’s remarkable heritage.

What is the Big Give Christmas Challenge?

Big Give is a UK charity that runs match-funded campaigns for good causes throughout the year. The concept is simple but powerful: for every amount donated, the same amount is matched, meaning every donated amount is doubled, having twice the impact.

About the RSN Collection & Archive

The RSN Collection is home to an extraordinary range of intricate embroideries, as well as historic costume and textiles spanning centuries, continents, and countless techniques. The RSN Archive preserves the records and artwork of the RSN’s historic ‘paint room’, documenting over 150 years of needlework design.

To make this rich heritage more accessible, we launched our Collection & Archive website in 2024, a free online resource showcasing each object alongside details of its history, dimensions, materials, stitches used, and more.

Our Collection & Archive receives no external funding, and its ongoing digitisation and preservation rely entirely on the generosity of our supporters.

How the RSN’s Big Give Christmas Challenge Works

Between midday on Tuesday 2 December and midday on Tuesday 9 December, all donations made to our Big Give campaign will be doubled. For example, a £10 gift becomes £20 for the RSN Collection & Archive.

This year’s campaign is supported by our generous match funders and our Big Give Champion, The Reed Foundation. To unlock the funds already pledged, we need to raise £22,500 in donations during the campaign week, helping us reach our £45,000 goal.

Donations are welcome from supporters around the world.

How You Can Get Involved

Make your donation between 2 – 9 December (midday to midday) via our Big Give campaign page to have your gift doubled.

Every contribution, large or small, will make a lasting difference in helping us protect and share our historic Collection & Archive for generations to come.

Set a reminder now so you don’t miss your chance to double your donation and support the RSN’s extraordinary legacy of stitch

Visit the Collection & Archive Website