Ars Readers Donate $42K+ to Charity: A Testament to Community Giving
The Ars Technica community has once again demonstrated its incredible generosity! Our recently concluded 2025 Charity Drive, aimed at supporting vital organizations, has raised an impressive $42,936.83 for Child’s Play and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). While not a new record, this year’s total surpasses last year’s efforts and pushes our cumulative donations since 2007 to over $585,000. This remarkable achievement is a direct result of the dedication and compassion of Ars Technica readers – thank you!
The 2025 Charity Drive: A Deep Dive into the Numbers
This year’s drive saw a fantastic response from our readership. We’re still in the process of selecting and notifying the winners of our swag giveaway, so keep an eye on your inbox! In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at the key statistics from the 2025 campaign.
Overall Fundraising Performance
- Total Fundraising: $42,936.83
- Total Donations to Child’s Play: $19,424.27
- Total Donations to the EFF: $23,512.56
- Number of Individual Donations: 474
- Average Donation: $90.58
- Median Donation: $50.00
- Largest Single Donation: $3,000 (to EFF)
Donation Breakdown
The generosity of our readers was evident across all donation levels. Here’s a breakdown of the contributions:
- Donations of $1,000 or more: 8
- Donations of $100 or more: 133
- Donations of $10 or less: 72 (Every little bit truly helps!)
Charity-Specific Statistics
Let's examine the donation patterns for each charity:
Child’s Play Donations
- Number of Donations: 272
- Average Donation: $71.41
- Median Donation: $26.25
EFF Donations
- Number of Donations: 202
- Average Donation: $116.40
- Median Donation: $66.95
A History of Giving: Ars Technica Charity Drives Since 2007
The Ars Technica Charity Drive is a long-standing tradition, and we’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made together over the years. Here’s a year-by-year look at our fundraising totals:
| Year | Total Donations |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,936.83 |
| 2024 | $39,047.66 |
| 2023 | $39,830.36 |
| 2022 | $31,656.07 |
| 2021 | $40,261.71 |
| 2020 | $58,758.11 |
| 2019 | $33,181.11 |
| 2018 | $20,210.66 |
| 2017 | $36,012.37 |
| 2016 | $38,738.11 |
| 2015 | $38,861.06 |
| 2014 | $25,094.31 |
| 2013 | $23,570.13 |
| 2012 | $28,713.52 |
| 2011 | ~$26,000 |
| 2010 | ~$24,000 |
| 2009 | ~$17,000 |
| 2008 | ~$12,000 |
| 2007 | ~$10,000 |
As you can see, the Ars Technica community has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting important causes. The total of $585,872.01 raised since 2007 is a testament to the power of collective action.
Why Child’s Play and the EFF?
We carefully select charities that align with the values of the Ars Technica community. This year, we chose to support Child’s Play and the Electronic Frontier Foundation for their impactful work.
Child’s Play: Bringing Joy to Children in Hospitals
Child’s Play is a game charity that creates joy and provides comfort to children in hospitals through the power of play. They donate games, books, and toys to pediatric wards, and also organize events to brighten the days of young patients. Their work is particularly meaningful, offering a much-needed distraction and source of happiness during challenging times.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation: Defending Digital Rights
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is a leading nonprofit defending civil liberties in the digital world. They champion users’ rights, fight for free speech online, and work to ensure that technology serves the public interest. In an era of increasing surveillance and censorship, the EFF’s work is more critical than ever. Supporting the EFF helps protect our fundamental freedoms in the digital age.
The Future of Ars Technica Charity Drives
We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our readers. The success of the 2025 Charity Drive reinforces our commitment to continuing this tradition in the years to come. We are already brainstorming ideas for future drives and exploring new ways to maximize our impact. Stay tuned for announcements about our next charitable endeavor!
Thank you again to everyone who donated, shared the drive, and helped make this year’s campaign a success. You are what makes the Ars Technica community so special. Don't forget to check back for updates on the swag giveaway winners! And remember, even small contributions can make a big difference. Consider supporting Child’s Play and the EFF directly at their respective websites: Child’s Play and EFF.