Overview

#RedNoseDay is an annual fundraising campaign (originated UK 1988, launched US 2015) using comedy to raise money for children living in poverty. Participants wear red clown noses, watch comedy specials, and donate—raising over $240 million (US) since 2015.

Format

• When: Late May (US), March (UK)
• How: NBC airs Red Nose Day TV special with comedy sketches, performances, celebrity appeals
• Funds: Support children in US and globally (education, health, safety)
• Merchandise: Red noses sold at Walgreens, donations accepted online

Impact (US)

2015: $21 million raised (inaugural year)
2018: $40+ million
2020: Virtual event due to COVID
Total (2015-2023): $240+ million

Funds distributed to:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America
• Children’s Health Fund
• Feeding America
• Save the Children
• charity: water

UK Origins

Red Nose Day launched in UK (1988) by Comic Relief, co-founded by comedian Lenny Henry. It became biennial cultural institution:

• Raises £100M+ per event
• Features celebrity challenges, comedy sketches, music performances
• Entire nation participates (schools, workplaces, celebrities)

Cultural Significance

RND demonstrates comedy’s fundraising power and normalizes charitable giving through entertainment. Wearing red noses reduces giving fatigue by making charity fun.

Criticism

• Charity model critiqued: Doesn’t address root causes of poverty (systemic inequality, policy failures)
• Poverty porn: Emotional manipulation using images of suffering children
• Celebrity-driven: Relies on star power rather than grassroots organizing

References

• RedNoseDay.org
• Comic Relief UK
• Charity Navigator: Red Nose Day ratings