A massive funding opportunity has officially returned for Yorkshire-based charities, community groups, and good causes, offering a top prize of £20,000.
Applications have officially opened today (15th June 2026) for the return of the Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake, a major initiative running alongside the prestigious Sky Bet Ebor Festival at York Racecourse this August.
The sweepstake will shortlist 22 different grassroots organisations from across the region. Each cause will be randomly paired with a live runner in the Sky Bet Ebor Handicap during a televised draw on Thursday, 20th August. The charity matched with the winning horse on Saturday, 22nd August, will bag a massive £20,000 donation. Second and third place will take home £5,000 and £2,000 respectively, and every single shortlisted group is guaranteed at least £1,000.
Last year’s jackpot went to East Riding-based veteran charity M.A.S.H (Military Assistance Social Hub), which used the transformational funding to open a brand-new office hub. To align with responsible gambling policies, groups applying must not work exclusively with individuals under 18. Applications close on Friday, 17th July 2026.
To submit an entry, fill out the entry form here.
Craig Leach, Chairman of M.A.S.H, said:
“To be announced as the winner of £20,000 was completely beyond anything we could have imagined. That funding has had a transformational impact over the past year. Winning has placed us in a position where we are now able to grow and expand as a charity in ways we simply did not think were possible.”
James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at York Racecourse, added:
“The 2026 Sky Bet Ebor Community Sweepstake sees the return of our ongoing collaboration with the feature sponsor of the event. We are hugely proud of how the initiative spotlights grassroots organisations across Yorkshire and helps support them in their amazing work.”
