On 23 September 2026, more than 600 organisations across the City of London will participate in City Giving Day, an annual celebration of corporate philanthropy, volunteering, and community action. Organised by The Lord Mayor’s Appeal in partnership with City AM, the event aims to highlight how businesses can act as a force for good, demonstrating their commitment to social impact alongside financial performance. This year's programme is set to feature a variety of collaborative events and challenges designed to engage employees and raise funds for charitable causes.
City Giving Day provides a significant platform for companies to showcase their efforts in fundraising, volunteering, mentoring, and community partnerships. It offers an opportunity for organisations to celebrate colleagues making a difference and to convey to clients, investors, and prospective employees that purpose is integral to their operations. Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley emphasised the collective impact, stating that "when the City unites behind a common purpose, our collective impact can be extraordinary."
This year’s event introduces several new and returning initiatives designed to inspire participation. A notable addition for 2026 is the CPR World Record Relay Challenge, launched in partnership with Central London Alliance, which aims to train thousands in life-saving CPR over a 48-hour period. The popular ‘Long Long Lunch’ also makes a return, inviting organisations across the Square Mile to host simultaneous lunches, transforming an everyday meal into a collective act of giving. Additionally, ‘Voices for Giving’ will bring together City choirs to celebrate music, community, and philanthropy, while individuals can also volunteer behind the scenes to support the day’s activities.
Since its inception in 2015, City Giving Day has evolved into one of the largest corporate giving movements in the UK. Over 600 organisations participated in 2025, and to date, more than £1.28 million has been raised for The Lord Mayor’s Appeal. A key development for 2026 is the expansion of the programme beyond London, aiming to inspire more businesses across the wider UK to engage in corporate social responsibility. This expansion reflects a broader ambition to foster lasting change by convening businesses with charities, civic institutions, and communities.
The underlying goal of City Giving Day extends beyond a single day’s activities. The Lord Mayor’s Appeal is dedicated to building a ‘Better City for All’ through partnerships and fundraising, ultimately creating enhanced opportunities for individuals to work, thrive, and prosper within the capital. In an era where corporate impact is increasingly scrutinised alongside financial performance, City Giving Day offers a practical and visible avenue for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to societal betterment and contribute to a stronger future for London and beyond.