26 September

City Giving Day 2025: Powering community, impact & change for good

The City of London was buzzing with energy on 23rd September as over 600 organisations came together for City Giving Day 2025, celebrating the power of charitable giving. Participation has tripled since the event began in 2017, when around 200 companies first took part. 

The day began at the London Stock Exchange, where the Rt Hon. the Lord Mayor Alastair King DL opened the markets in a special ceremony. “Whether you are new to City Giving Day or have been with us since the very beginning, thank you for getting behind this fantastic initiative and doing your bit to ensure that the City is an inclusive, healthy, skilled and fair place for all,” stated the Lord Mayor. 

Immediately afterwards, guests gathered in Guildhall Yard for a photocall with drinks and pastries provided by Drake & Morgan, setting the tone for a day of collaboration and celebration. 

By mid-morning, businesses and teams were already embracing the spirit of the event. Cyclists took on the Tour de City Static Wattbike challenge, sponsored by the Eastern City Business Improvement District and supported by Antidote, who provided the MC and cheer squads. Meanwhile, hundreds of participants joined the City Walks, exploring hidden streets and landmarks under the guidance of the City of London Guide Lecturers Association. Across the Square Mile, staff from hundreds of companies donned red and hosted fundraising activities, raffles, bake sales and volunteering initiatives. 

At 4pm, the action turned to Mansion House, where treasure hunters in bright red t-shirts – generously sponsored by The Investment Association – set off to crack clues and uncover prizes as part of the official City Giving Day Treasure Hunt. 

Meanwhile, the Lord Mayor, Lady Mayoress, Sheriffs and Aldermen spent the day visiting businesses and joining in a wide range of activities: from driving simulators at Kinly and cocktail-making at Drake & Morgan’s The Folly and The Anthologist, to fizz and cider tasting at Pewterers’ Hall, bell-ringing at St Katharine Cree, Lego building, and even bingo calling. Their presence highlighted the City’s shared commitment to philanthropy and community spirit. 

The day ended with the always-popular City Giving Day Quiz Night, held across seven venues and hosted by Andaz London Liverpool Street, ING, Gallagher, ING, LSEG, Pinsent Masons, Standard Chartered, and Vorboss. Fifty teams took part, with FRP Advisory Team 1 claiming victory after a tense tie-break. 

Commenting on the success of the event, Pool Re, stated on LinkedIn: “We were pleased to join over 600 companies in the City taking part in City Giving Day. We enjoyed a City tour, a treasure hunt, charity quiz night and delicious baked goods made by our staff – all in support of The Lord Mayor’s Appeal.” 

Caroline Allen, Senior Counsel at Taylor Wessing LLP and Chair of Women in Property Southeast Branch, added: “For the third year running we held a breakfast to celebrate and support City Giving Day and The Lord Mayor’s Appeal. With over 150 people in attendance – up from 90 last year – it was really inspiring to witness the City come together so readily to give back.” 

Daniel Chan MBE, Partner at PwC UK, also shared his thoughts on the day on socials: “Throughout the City, we’veseen some amazing activities go on showcasing the generosity and commitment of all the businesses and individuals involved. Together, we’ve made a real difference in support of so many.” 

Now in its tenth year, City Giving Day has grown threefold, from 200 organisations in 2015 to over 600 in 2025, making it one of the City of London’s most successful charitable traditions. From fitness challenges and treasure hunts to quizzes, raffles, and walking tours, the day showcased the extraordinary creativity and generosity of the Square Mile. As one participant summed up: “It’s incredible what we can achieve when purpose meets passion.”