Comic Relief

What Comic Relief does

Comic Relief is a UK-registered charity (legal entity: Charity Projects) founded in 1985 that raises funds to combat poverty in the UK and globally. The organization operates an event-driven fundraising model anchored by its flagship Red Nose Day televised event broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer, supplemented by Sport Relief and Winter Appeal campaigns. Revenue is generated through individual donations (one-time and regular), a monthly Adopt a Red Nose subscription service, merchandise sales (Red Noses, t-shirts, collector packs), prize draw fundraising products, and a portfolio of corporate brand partnerships.

Its core products include the newly launched Design-Yer Nose (the first customizable Red Nose, introduced for Red Nose Day 2026), artist-led collector packs (Mr Doodle), and the Adopt a Red Nose subscription delivering physical goods quarterly. Underlying technology infrastructure supports donation processing (donation.comicrelief.com), direct-to-consumer e-commerce (shop.comicrelief.com), merchandise distribution through Amazon and 600+ TK Maxx UK stores, and content delivery across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and BBC broadcast platforms. The organization employs an average of 147 staff (2023/24) and is headquartered in London with a secondary MediaCityUK Salford office for broadcast operations.

The go-to-market combines event-driven broadcast, community-led digital engagement, and direct-to-consumer subscription and merchandise. The organization is currently executing a strategic pivot into gaming and streaming channels under Chief Strategy and Impact Officer Lauren Spitzer, with brand partnerships including Roblox, Apple, NBCUniversal, and Nickelodeon. Comic Relief is expanding its US-facing footprint through SXSW 2026 Comedy Festival programming and partnerships with US media companies, while sustaining long-tenured UK retail and broadcast relationships (TK Maxx 20+ years raising £35.4M cumulatively; BBC broadcast partnership; Disney/Winnie the Pooh licensing).

Name

Comic Relief

Legal name

Charity Projects

Website

https://comicrelief.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Comic Relief is a UK-registered charity (Charity Projects) founded in 1985 that raises funds against poverty through flagship televised Red Nose Day and Sport Relief campaigns on BBC, plus merchandise sales, corporate partnerships (TK Maxx, Disney, Amazon), and an expanding gaming/streaming channel strategy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Fundraising and Poverty Relief

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713), Gift, Novelty, and Souvenir Retailers (45942)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Retail-Family Clothing Stores (5651)

akta.pro primary industry

Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) and Emergency Livelihood Support (BPAGAAAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cash & Voucher Assistance (CVA) / Emergency Social Assistance (BPADADAI), Stand-Up Comedy Shows (MPAGACAA)

Keywords

• Charitable fundraising campaigns
• Poverty relief programs
• Charity merchandise sales
• Televised fundraising events
• Grant-making foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and regular donations from individual supporters, including direct monetary gifts and Adopt a Red Nose monthly subscription program with quarterly physical goods delivery
2. Corporate Partnerships: Branded merchandise partnerships with major retailers including TK Maxx (over 20-year partnership raising £35.4 million), Disney/Winnie The Pooh merchandise, and brand collaborations with NBCUniversal, Nickelodeon, Bloomberg LP, Citi, Apple, Roblox, Target, and Lego
3. Merchandise Sales: Sales of Red Nose products, fundraising packs, accessories, and collector items through shop.comicrelief.com, Amazon, and retail partners including TK Maxx and Homesense
4. Event Fundraising: Annual Red Nose Day and Sport Relief televised events driving mass public engagement and donations, with prize draws and competitions offering experiences and merchandise as incentives
5. Strategic Brand Partnerships: Partnership with Sainsbury's for hunger relief campaigns, with Jodie Whittaker narrating and Richard Curtis writing content, representing multi-year strategic collaborations

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Comic Relief is a UK-registered charity that uses comedy and entertainment to raise funds for poverty alleviation in the UK and globally. It sells branded merchandise (including the customizable Design-Yer Nose and collector packs), runs subscription giving via Adopt a Red Nose, and operates flagship annual televised fundraising campaigns — Red Nose Day (broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer) and Sport Relief — alongside a Winter Appeal and prize-draw fundraising. Funds raised are distributed as grants to partner organizations addressing food insecurity, housing, healthcare, and childhood poverty.

Product overview

Comic Relief operates as a UK charity using humor and popular culture to engage supporters in addressing childhood poverty. The organization runs multiple integrated campaigns centered around two flagship events: Red Nose Day and Sport Relief, along with seasonal Winter Appeals. The product portfolio includes physical merchandise (customisable Design-Yer Nose, collector packs, traditional Red Noses), subscription offerings (Adopt a Red Nose), an ecommerce shop, prize draw fundraising products, and grant distribution programs. The 2026 Red Nose Day campaign introduces the innovative Design-Yer Nose as its flagship customizable product, featuring artist collaborations like Mr Doodle, alongside partnerships with TK Maxx, Disney/Winnie The Pooh, and Amazon for merchandise distribution.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Red Nose Day Comic Relief's flagship annual fundraising campaign combining televised entertainment events, celebrity-driven comedy, merchandise sales, and community fundraising activities to support poverty relief in the UK and globally. Broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer.
• Sport Relief Comic Relief's second major annual campaign combining sport, physical challenges, and entertainment to raise funds for vulnerable people in the UK and around the world.
• Winter Appeal Seasonal fundraising campaign focused on supporting people through winter, providing food, shelter, and essential resources.
• Design-Yer Nose First-ever customisable Red Nose product allowing supporters to design their own unique nose for Red Nose Day 2026.
• Red Nose Collector Pack featuring Mr Doodle Special collector's edition Red Nose merchandise featuring artist Mr Doodle, part of the 2026 Red Nose Day product line.
• Adopt a Red Nose Monthly payment-based subscription service delivering physical goods approximately quarterly along with digital content to supporters, featuring plush toys and activity materials.
• Comic Relief / Red Nose Day Online Shop Official online shop for Red Nose Day merchandise including Red Noses, fundraising packs, accessories, and adult/kids T-shirts priced between £6.99 and £14.99, with per-item donations to Comic Relief.
• Prize Draws Fundraising prize draw competitions offering experiences and items as incentives for donations, including Harry Styles concert tickets and a 1957 Speedster vintage car.
• Comic Relief Grants and Funding Programs Grant-making programs distributing raised funds to partner organizations across the UK and globally, including Alleviating the Effects of Poverty, Change Makers, Tackling Injustices, Climate Justice, Sport for Change, and Pop Culture for Social Change.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported over 4.5 million people in the last few years
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, major and minor.

• TK MaxxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOver 20-year retail partnership with TK Maxx selling Winnie the Pooh-themed and other Red Nose Day merchandise across 600+ UK stores. TK Maxx has raised over £35.4 million through this partnership. Adult T-shirts priced £12.99-£14.99 with at least £5 per item donated, kids T-shirts £6.99-£8.99 with at least £2.50 per item donated.
• Sainsbury'scoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Sainsbury's for hunger relief campaign 'Let's put hunger to bed' with simple vision of UK where every family has access to good food. Jodie Whittaker narrates campaign film written by Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis.
• Mr DoodleflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured artist for Red Nose Day 2026 collector pack and merchandise, creating distinctive artwork for Design-Yer Nose customizable product and livestream campaign.
• BBCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBroadcast partner for Red Nose Day and Sport Relief televised events on BBC One and iPlayer. Annual event broadcast from MediaCityUK in Salford. BBC Radio 2 hosts hospitality at events. Prize draws subject to BBC code of conduct.
• AmazonmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMerchandise distribution partner for Red Nose products and Disney/Winnie the Pooh merchandise. Amazon availability for Design-Yer Nose flagship product.
• DisneymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerLicensing partnership for Winnie the Pooh-themed Red Nose Day merchandise sold at TK Maxx and Homesense, with items also available on Amazon.
• MeanwhilemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManchester creative agency partnership since 2023 for Red Nose Day campaign development, including Red Nose Day 2026 campaign film launch featuring Joe Marler, Jill Scott, and Tia Kofi.
• SXSWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SXSW 2026 Comedy Festival (19th edition) featuring stand-up showcases, live podcast recordings, and comedy programming alongside Dropout, Netflix, Fox Entertainment Studios, and iHeartMedia.
• NBCUniversalmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership developed under Chief Strategy and Impact Officer Lauren Spitzer, part of gaming and streaming expansion strategy.
• NickelodeonmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership under streaming and gaming expansion, targeting younger demographics through children's media channels.
• RobloxmajorTechnology or IntegrationDigital platform partnership for gaming expansion, enabling engagement with younger supporter demographics through virtual experiences.
• TargetminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBrand partnership for merchandise and cause marketing initiatives in US market.
• LegominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership for potential merchandise collaborations and cross-promotional campaigns.
• NetflixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia company partnership for SXSW Comedy Festival programming, featuring comedy content alongside Dropout, Fox Entertainment Studios, and iHeartMedia.
• Fox Entertainment StudiosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia company partnership for SXSW Comedy Festival content and programming.
• DropoutminorGTM or Marketing PartnerComedy streaming platform partnership for SXSW Comedy Festival programming and emerging comedy content.
• iHeartMediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAudio media partnership for SXSW Comedy Festival programming and radio audience reach.
• The MothminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStorytelling organization partnership included in SXSW Comedy Festival programming lineup.
• ChiefminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth West production house collaborating with Meanwhile agency for Red Nose Day 2026 campaign film production.
• BBC Radio 2minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHospitality host for Harry Styles concert prize draw event at Wembley Stadium, providing broadcast radio engagement.
• Amazon (Prize Provider)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSchool prize provider for Design-Yer-Nose competition, with winning schools receiving £100 Amazon vouchers.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BBC Children in Need: The other flagship BBC televised charity telethon in the UK, combining entertainment, celebrity engagement, and mass public donations to fund children's charities. Direct comparable to Comic Relief on broadcast-driven fundraising model, partnership with BBC, and UK charity scope.
• Stand Up to Cancer UK: UK charity fundraising campaign leveraging comedy and entertainment celebrity involvement. Direct peer to Comic Relief in using comedy-driven entertainment events as the primary fundraising mechanism for charitable causes.
• Comic Relief US (Red Nose Day USA): The US counterpart organization running Red Nose Day in America with NBC broadcast partnership, Walgreens retail distribution, and similar celebrity-driven comedy fundraising model. Direct operational peer using the same brand and event format adapted to the US market.

Broad incumbents

• Macmillan Cancer Support: One of the largest UK charities with broad fundraising programs including merchandise, events, and corporate partnerships. Comparable to Comic Relief in scale of UK fundraising operations and corporate partnership intensity, though focused on cancer support.
• Cancer Research UK: The UK's largest cancer charity, with major retail merchandise operations, mass participation events, and corporate partnerships. Comparable to Comic Relief in operating scale, UK brand recognition, and diversified fundraising portfolio.
• Save the Children UK: Major UK-based international charity addressing child poverty and welfare, directly aligned with Comic Relief's mission of alleviating childhood poverty. Comparable in mission focus and grantmaking model to poverty-related causes.
• British Red Cross: Major UK humanitarian charity providing emergency relief and social assistance. Comparable to Comic Relief in mission overlap (emergency and other relief services) and scale of UK fundraising operations.
• Oxfam GB: Major UK-based international development charity with extensive retail operations and corporate partnerships. Comparable to Comic Relief in international development focus and the use of multiple fundraising channels including retail merchandise.
• UNICEF UK: UK arm of global children's charity with celebrity ambassador programs and major corporate partnerships. Comparable to Comic Relief in celebrity-driven fundraising approach and grantmaking for children's welfare globally.
• National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC): Major UK children's charity with celebrity involvement and corporate partnership fundraising. Comparable to Comic Relief in mission focus on children and similar UK fundraising infrastructure including workplace and school programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCdF5u0ggeSETozc8fsprjcw
• Facebookfacebook.com/comicrelief
• Instagraminstagram.com/comicrelief
• TikToktiktok.com/@comicrelief
• Xx.com/comicrelief
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/comic-relief

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments2 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Comic Relief