5 September

City Giving Day 2025 Countdown Breakfast Fuels Record Support for Charitable Causes

Business leaders, charity representatives, and supporters gathered in their finest red attire to kick off City Giving Day with an energising breakfast event, earlier this week. Held at Mansion House, the event brought together new and returning organisations, all united by a shared commitment to making a positive impact in the city.

Since its inception in 2015, City Giving Day, which takes place every September, has grown from 209 participating companies in its first year to over 591 already registered in 2025. The goal is to surpass last year’s record of 605. Over 100 guests attended the breakfast, with each table hosted by a City Giving Day Activity Champion or a member of The Lord Mayor’s Appeal Team, who shared practical tips and encouraged businesses to share their own plans for the day.

The morning featured an inspiring line-up of speakers who shared their unique perspectives and stories about their commitment to City Giving Day. “Lloyds Banking Group is again delighted to be supporting City Giving Day. It’s a great day not only for the City of London to celebrate the key role it plays in supporting charities and fundraising, but also as an opportunity for individual companies like Lloyds to come together to raise even more money for those charities providing vital support to those who need it the most,” shared Anthony Mazen from Lloyds Banking Group.

This year, The Lord Mayor’s Appeal is supporting two charities: Homewards, a Royal Foundation programme and MQ Mental Health Research. Emily Wheeler, Director of Research Partnerships and Development at MQ, highlighted the importance of this partnership to the charity: "City Giving Day has been a highlight for MQ Mental Health Research, helping us bring our mission to the heart of the City. Thanks to The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, we’ve been able to amplify our voice and connect with business leaders to help us launch lifesaving research and keep brilliant young researchers in the field. From developing our Leadership Playbook for healthier workplaces to advancing vital projects through our Scholarship Programme, this partnership has turned awareness into real impact. City Giving Day shows the City at its best — united, energetic and committed to making a difference."

There’s no single way to participate in City Giving Day. From wearing red to volunteering, fundraising, or simply celebrating the good work done year-round, it’s a day to give back in whatever way feels right. Charles Fulton from Jumblebee introduced the City Giving Day Online Auction, an initiative that has become a cornerstone of fundraising efforts: “How about a dining experience at Mosimann’s? Or a fly-fishing adventure with a vineyard tour? For the daring — maybe a wing-walking experience? Every bid supports The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, and the auction is now open.”

Fulton also invited organisations to set up their own internal auctions or prize draws to further boost engagement and fundraising. Fundraisers can also take part in many other popular organised initiatives such as Tour de City, City Walk, Treasure Hunt or Quiz Night.

City Giving Day on 23^rd September will officially begin at the London Stock Exchange, where The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman Alastair King, will ring the bell to open the market. He will then join representatives and charity partners for the City Giving Day photocall at Guildhall Yard – a perfect chance to showcase the spirit and energy of this initiative. Throughout the day, the Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Sheriffs, and Aldermen will visit organisations across the City.

In his concluding remarks, The Lord Mayor reminded everyone of the power they hold to make a difference: “From helping us spread the word to your colleagues and the businesses you share your office space with, to organising events and linking in your connections, do not underestimate the difference your involvement in City Giving Day can make. It’s an opportunity for your organisations to reflect on the positive impact they already have on our community and to consider how can they support the Lord Mayor’s Appeal’s mission to build a better City for all: one that is inclusive, healthy, skilled, and fair.”

As Lawson Muncaster of City A.M. highlighted: “City Giving Day is a critical part of the Square Mile’s effort to give back. City A.M. is proud to amplify the good work of over 600 companies raising money for The Lord Mayor’s chosen charities.”

City Giving Day is an annual event hosted by The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, uniting the City to celebrate and promote the positive impact of philanthropy. Taking place every September, it gives companies the chance to showcase their charitable and community work – collectively sharing their community outreach via the City Giving Day webpage and social media.

Whether City businesses support The Lord Mayor’s Appeal or their own chosen charities, it gives companies a platform to tell their fundraising and volunteering stories and collaborate with other businesses within the City community.

Register for City Giving Day 2025 here.