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ars readers gave over 42 000 in Ars Technica readers have shown remarkable generosity, contributing over $42,000 to charitable causes during the 2025 Charity Drive.

ars readers gave over 42 000 in

Overview of the 2025 Charity Drive

Last month, Ars Technica launched its annual Charity Drive, inviting readers to support two significant organizations: Child’s Play and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). The response from the community was overwhelming, culminating in a total of $42,936.83 raised. While this amount does not set a new record for the drive, it surpasses last year’s total and adds to the impressive lifetime contributions made by Ars Technica readers since the inception of the charity initiative in 2007, bringing the grand total to over $585,000.

Beneficiaries of the Charity Drive

Child’s Play

Child’s Play is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children in hospitals and domestic violence shelters through the power of games and play. Founded in 2003 by gamers and industry professionals, the organization provides toys, games, and other forms of entertainment to help children cope with their circumstances. In the 2025 drive, Child’s Play received a total of $19,424.27 from generous donors.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)

The Electronic Frontier Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization defending civil liberties in the digital world. Established in 1990, the EFF works to ensure that technology supports freedom, innovation, and privacy. This year, the EFF benefited significantly from the charity drive, receiving $23,512.56 from Ars Technica readers. The funds will help support their ongoing efforts in advocacy, litigation, and education regarding digital rights.

Participation and Contributions

The 2025 Charity Drive saw a total of 474 individual donations, demonstrating the commitment of the Ars Technica community to support these vital causes. The breakdown of donations reveals a diverse range of contributions:

Child’s Play donations: 272
EFF donations: 202

This year, the average donation was $90.58, with Child’s Play receiving an average of $71.41 per donation, while the EFF benefitted from an average of $116.40 per donation. The median donation across all contributions was $50.00, indicating that many donors chose to give what they could, regardless of the amount.

Noteworthy Contributions

Among the donations, several stood out for their generosity:

Top single donation: $3,000 to the EFF
Donations of $1,000 or more: 8
Donations of $100 or more: 133
Donations of $10 or less: 72

The presence of smaller donations, particularly those of $10 or less, underscores the notion that every contribution counts. As the saying goes, “every little bit helps,” and this sentiment was clearly reflected in the diverse range of donations received.

Historical Context and Trends

The Ars Technica Charity Drive has a rich history, with contributions dating back to 2007. Over the years, the initiative has grown significantly, both in terms of the amount raised and the number of participants. Below is a summary of the total charity donations from Ars Technica drives since 2007:

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 illustrated, the total donations have varied year by year, reflecting both the economic climate and the growing engagement of the Ars Technica community. The highest total was recorded in 2020, with nearly $59,000 raised, while the lowest was in 2007, the inaugural year of the drive.

Community Engagement and Impact

The success of the 2025 Charity Drive is a testament to the strong sense of community among Ars Technica readers. The willingness to contribute to meaningful causes highlights the collective values of the audience, who prioritize support for children in need and the protection of digital rights. The funds raised will directly impact the beneficiaries, allowing them to continue their essential work.

Moreover, the drive fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants. The shared goal of raising funds for charity creates a unique bond within the community, encouraging readers to rally together for a common cause. This engagement is not only beneficial for the charities involved but also strengthens the Ars Technica brand as a platform that values social responsibility.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 Charity Drive concludes, the Ars Technica team is in the process of selecting and notifying winners of the swag giveaway associated with the drive. Participants are encouraged to remain patient as the winners are determined. The excitement surrounding the giveaway adds an extra layer of engagement, motivating readers to contribute while also having a chance to win exclusive merchandise.

Looking ahead, Ars Technica plans to continue its tradition of charitable giving, with hopes of surpassing the previous year’s totals in future drives. The commitment to philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the organization’s ethos, and the support from readers is crucial in making these initiatives successful.

Conclusion

The 2025 Charity Drive has once again demonstrated the incredible generosity of the Ars Technica community, raising a total of $42,936.83 for Child’s Play and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. While this year’s total may not set a new record, it surpasses last year’s contributions and adds to the impressive lifetime total of over $585,000 raised since 2007. The diverse range of donations, from small contributions to significant single donations, showcases the collective effort of readers to support meaningful causes.

As the Ars Technica team continues to engage with the community and finalize the giveaway winners, the impact of this year’s drive will be felt by the beneficiaries for years to come. The commitment to charitable giving remains a cornerstone of the Ars Technica brand, and with the continued support of its readers, future drives are poised for success.

Source: Original report