Each year the FT runs an annual seasonal appeal on behalf of a deserving charity. The appeal involves the FT reporting on a charity, both in print and online, throughout December to raise money and increase awareness of the selected charity’s work. The 2008/09 appeal was on behalf of WaterAid.

What is the selection process?

• End of April – The deadline for charity applications which can be emailed to seasonalappeal@ft.com. There is no formal application form. We simply require a letter presenting the case of the charity and any supporting material you feel is necessary
• End of May – FT selects a long list of charities and begins interview process
• End of June – FT selects a short list of charities to be put forward for a staff vote
• End of July – Completion of FT staff vote and announcement of appeal charity

The criteria

We use a set of criteria to screen the charities that apply. They must:

• possess a philosophy that fits the FT brand
• be able to generate a large body of compelling news stories and features
• be able to cope with – and benefit from – the huge amount of publicity the FT campaign will generate
• have strong governance and accountability structures
• be able to leverage the FT’s fund-raising, for example through pledges to match our donations
• operate internationally
• be registered with charitable status in both the UK and the US

Please contact Hamish Pearson if you have any questions or need any further information:

Hamish Pearson
Financial Times
One Southwark Bridge
London
SE1 9HL

Tel: 0207 873 3184
Email: seasonalappeal@ft.com