The Sky Bet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake is making a much-celebrated return in 2025, offering Yorkshire’s grassroots organisations a unique opportunity to win up to £20,000 in funding. Co-hosted by Sky Bet and York Racecourse, this initiative stands as a prime example of how major sporting events can be leveraged to deliver tangible social impact.
Racing Meets Community: 22 Causes Matched with Ebor Handicap Runners
Set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most iconic flat racing events, the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap on Saturday, 23 August 2025, the sweepstake will pair 22 local charities and community groups with horses participating in the prestigious race. A live draw on 21 August will determine which charity corresponds to which horse.
The stakes are high, not only for the horses but for the organisations involved. The charity linked to the winning horse will receive a £20,000 donation, while second and third places earn £5,000 and £2,000, respectively. All remaining shortlisted finalists won’t leave empty-handed, as each will receive a £1,000 grant to further their local initiatives.
A Proven Model: Building on 2024’s Impact
The 2024 sweepstake showcased the powerful reach of this initiative, with Next Door But One, an inclusive theatre group serving LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, taking the top prize. Their winnings supported a year-long arts participation programme, delivering nearly 300 events to over 7,000 people. This kind of transformative reach is exactly what the 2025 edition seeks to replicate and expand.
Organisations interested in applying must do so between 16 June and 18 July, outlining their mission and proposed use of funds via an online application form. The process is intentionally straightforward to encourage broad participation, particularly from underfunded or overlooked community initiatives.
Statements from the Partners: A Shared Vision for Impact
James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at York Racecourse, commented:
“This sweepstake shines a light on the tireless work of Yorkshire’s grassroots organisations. The atmosphere during race day is already electric, and welcoming these community champions only enhances the event’s meaning and social reach.”
Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Betting & Gaming, echoed the sentiment:
“We see this not just as a donation but as a celebration of the local heroes making a real difference. The sweepstake format makes the experience engaging and symbolic of the shared journey between sports and society.”
Conclusion: Where Racing Tradition Meets Social Responsibility
By blending the excitement of horse racing with meaningful philanthropic engagement, the Sky Bet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake is fast becoming a cornerstone of sports-driven community impact in the UK. It not only amplifies the visibility of local causes but also delivers life-changing funding that can seed new projects, reach more people, and transform neighbourhoods.
In a time where charitable organisations face increasing financial pressures, this initiative serves as a model for how corporate partnerships and sporting events can create a positive ripple effect far beyond the racetrack.
