It has been an unsettling year of social division, anger and unrest in the UK and beyond. Extremist violence and rhetoric are escalating, with the demonisation of migrants reaching a fever pitch. Far-right activists march in the streets. NHS nurses, care workers and charities face abuse amid a resurgence of “1970s-style racism”.

Against this toxic backdrop, the Guardian is launching its 2025 charity appeal on Friday. This year’s theme, unapologetically, is hope. We are supporting grassroots charities, which, through their vital work at the heart of local neighbourhoods, nurture community pride and positive change, and provide a powerful antidote to polarisation, distrust and hate.

Our partner charities – and the projects they support – are united in the belief that however loud the forces of hate and division, they will never drown out the values shared by the vast majority: tolerance, compassion and common humanity.

Many local communities face huge challenges, as public services, communal spaces and civic infrastructure have been eroded. Rising inequality, driven by austerity and our broken economic model, has led to resentment. For too many, poverty is deep-rooted. For others, dreams of a better future – for themselves and their children – have been dashed.

Trust in politicians and institutions is fragile. The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, enabled by social media and the rightwing press, has distorted and soured debate. Intimidation, harassment and violence against minorities and those who support them have grown. It can feel frightening, and bleak.

The Guardian is committed to reporting on fresh ideas, not only critiquing the state of the world, because we believe that the way things are isn’t the way they need to be. And the work of our partner charities offer examples of practical and inspiring options.

These charities, which operate in some of the UK’s most economically deprived areas, campaign for better housing, improved health services and thriving high streets. They help restore abandoned libraries, parks and community centres. They run food banks, jobs and skills initiatives, youth and sports clubs, drop-in centres, arts projects, neighbourhood festivals and refugee welcome initiatives. They help to build hope.

Their achievements are grounded in the way they approach their work. It is locally led and focused. It is built around respectful, empathetic and honest conversations about what matters to people. It brings together neighbours and cultures and faiths to find common values and drive positive change. They make connections and build relationships, hope and resilience. They offer a true antidote to division and despair, and focus on what unites rather than what divides us.

As Locality, one of our charity appeal partners, puts it: “Our communities are the beating heart of a fairer society and a defence against hatred – places where everyone should feel safe, valued, and that they belong. Now, more than ever, we must invest in hope, and in the people who make it real, day after day, on the ground.”

Charity alone can never make up for the divisions in our society, the extreme inequality, our damaged public services and years of austerity. But the Guardian appeal showcases what is possible. It is a tribute to those whose voluntary efforts transform individual lives and communities, in the public interest, and a celebration of social justice. Your donations will make a real difference.

Donations will be shared between our five appeal partners: Citizens UK, The Linking Network, Locality, Hope Unlimited Charitable Trust, and Who is Your Neighbour? Each champions practical initiatives to change their communities for the better.

Over the next few weeks, we will highlight our partner charities’ work. Our charity appeal telethon takes place on Saturday 13 December, when our great journalists will take your calls and donations. The Guardian Bookshop will donate 20p from every order received until 31 December to the appeal.

Over the past decade, Guardian readers have raised an incredible £15m for good causes through our annual appeal. Themes have included refugees and asylum seekers, child poverty, the climate crisis, the Windrush scandal, and support for victims of war and conflict.

Your generosity has been very moving. We hope we can inspire you to donate once again.