Where does Children in Need money go? How charity money is spent - and how projects are decided on

Get ready to embrace the polka dots and Pudsey ears because BBC Children In Need is making its grand return tonight (November 17) for another round of thrilling fundraising endeavours. BBC One will be the ultimate Friday night destination with a three-hour extravaganza featuring comedy, music, surprise appearances, and live entertainment, as celebrities and performers unite their talents in support of this significant charity.

The core vision of Children In Need is to ensure that every child across the UK experiences a childhood that's safe, happy and secure, and the charity champions, endorses and raises awareness about initiatives that tackle the diverse challenges faced by children and young people nationwide.

The organisation focuses on improving the lives of these children in various ways, channelling funds into numerous projects and initiatives. But where exactly do the millions of pounds raised go each year? Here is everything you need to know about it.

Where does the Children in Need money go?

One significant aspect of Children in Need's work involves providing grants to charitable organisations and projects that cater directly to the needs of children. These grants cover a wide spectrum, including funding for mental health services, educational programs, healthcare provisions, and support for children facing various challenges such as poverty, disability, illness, or distressing circumstances.

A substantial portion of the money raised goes into supporting programs that promote mental health and emotional well-being and Children in Need allocates funds to initiatives offering counselling services, therapy sessions and interventions tailored to the unique needs of children and teenagers. Education constitutes another crucial area of the charity's focus, and it directs funds towards projects that aim to enhance educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.

This could involve supporting after-school clubs, tutoring programs or initiatives designed to tackle educational inequality, ensuring that all children have access to quality learning experiences regardless of their background. Health-related initiatives also benefit from the fundraising efforts. Children in Need supports projects that provide essential healthcare services, whether it's funding for medical treatments, specialist care or equipment necessary for the well-being of disadvantaged children.

Moreover, the funds raised by Children in Need contribute significantly to improving the overall quality of life for these children. From providing shelter for homeless youths to supporting families in crisis situations, the charity's efforts extend to ensuring a safer, more nurturing environment for vulnerable children.

How are funds decided upon?

The funds raised are distributed through a rigorous grant-giving process. Charities and organisations submit proposals outlining how they intend to utilise the funds to benefit children, and Children in Need evaluates these proposals to ensure that the money is allocated where it's most needed and will have the most significant impact.

The charity also often collaborates with other organisations, leveraging its resources and expertise to maximise the effectiveness of its support programs. These partnerships enable Children in Need to reach a broader spectrum of children and provide assistance to those most in need. The organisation regularly publishes reports detailing how the money has been allocated and the impact it has made on the lives of children and young people across the UK, and this transparency contributes to its credibility and trust among donors and the public.