Key points:
- The 2025 Sky Bet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake offers up to £20,000 to Yorkshire charities
- 22 shortlisted causes will be matched to horses running in the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap on 23 August
- Applications are open from 16 June to 18 July, with funding available for all finalists
Sky Bet and York Racecourse have announced the return of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake for 2025, offering up to £20,000 in funding to Yorkshire-based charities, foundations and community groups.
Now in its second year, the initiative will once again give 22 local good causes the chance to be paired with a runner in the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap on Saturday, 23 August.
The sweepstake will be determined via a live draw on 21 August, broadcast in advance of the race.
The charity matched with the winning horse will receive a £20,000 ($27,000) donation, while the second and third-place finishers will earn £5,000 and £2,000 respectively. All remaining shortlisted organisations will receive £1,000 to support their work.
Applications open on Monday, 16 June and close on Friday, 18 July. Organisations must submit an online form outlining their community contributions and how the potential funding would be used.
Good to know: The 2024 winner, Next Door But One – an LGBTQ+ and disability-led theatre group – used its winnings to support an arts participation programme, hosting nearly 300 events for over 7,000 people
Commenting on the development, James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at York Racecourse, stated: "We are proud to continue our collaboration with Sky Bet for the 2025 Ebor Festival Community Sweepstake. This event highlights the importance of grassroots organisations across Yorkshire and allows us to contribute to their incredible work.
“We look forward to welcoming the shortlisted good causes this coming summer, celebrating their achievements in the vibrant atmosphere of York Racecourse. It’s set to be another truly memorable day!"
Michael Shinners, Head of Sports PR at Sky Betting & Gaming, added: "The Community Sweepstake has become a cherished part of the Ebor Festival, delivering much-needed funding and visibility to deserving charities.
“We’re eager to see this year’s applicants from across the county and the positive impact they have on their respective communities.”
