This month, we’re popping the party poppers as we celebrate 20 years of TheGivingMachine! There were times we weren’t sure we’d make it here. We’ve weathered plenty of storms (and no, we’re not even going to mention Covid…), but in the words of Elton John, we’re still standing and still helping good causes make a difference in their communities.
As for the numbers: we've given away £2.7 million and supported more than 11,000 good causes. We’re incredibly proud of those figures, but what makes us proudest is what those causes have achieved with the funds they raised.
How it all began
Twenty years ago, four businessmen with successful careers, Mark Clark, Richard Morris, Jonathan Bayly and Craig McKenzie, all wanted to give back but weren’t quite sure how. They joined forces and had an idea: what if affiliate marketing could help charities, schools and good causes raise regular, unrestricted funds, at no cost to the people supporting them? With this idea TheGivingMachine was born, although there is a friendly disagreement amongst the founders as to who came up with the name. Ask any of them and you’ll probably get four different answers!
We started as a social enterprise, and in 2014 we became a registered charity. The rest, as they say, is history - and what a history it’s been!
Richard and Jonathan are still very much part of our day-to-day team. Clearly they couldn’t keep away, and we are so grateful that they couldn't!
Let's party!
On 1st October, we held a 20th Anniversary party and invited the people and organisations who’ve been part of our journey over the last 20 years to join us, and what a wonderful celebration it was!
The room was full of familiar faces: founders, trustees, team members, partners, supporters, and causes. There were hugs, plenty of laughter and more than a few “do you remember when…” stories (some of which are probably best left off the blog!).
We had a lovely speech from Richard, looking back at where it all started, how far we’ve come and where we’re heading next. Then we had a surprise speech from Nicola, our Technology Strategist, who highlighted the role Richard has played in the charity. There were plenty of laughs along the way with both speeches and then it was time for cake - twenty years definitely deserves cake, and we’re happy to report it went down a treat.
Most of all, it was a chance to say a big thank you to everyone who has believed in what we do. TheGivingMachine wouldn’t be here without them, and seeing so many of them together in one place was a reminder of just how many people have helped us get here.
Here are a few snapshots from the evening…
Here’s to the next 20 years. Fancy being part of it? Join the GivingLottery as a cause, apply for a Community Grant or play Friends of TheGivingMachine lottery to support us.
About the author
Luisa Gatward
Our Chief Executive, Luisa is responsible for leading the charity and plays a key part in strategy and business development to help the charity thrive. Since joining TheGivingMachine in 2010, Luisa has been part of the charity’s growth and continued development, holding a number of roles before becoming Chief Executive.