The Telegraph is delighted to announce that applications from charities for their annual Christmas Appeal are now open. 
As it enters its 28th year, the appeal's enduring success bears testament to the generosity of our readers, who have kindly donated millions of pounds to dozens of deserving causes.
Once this year's three charities have been chosen, the appeal will launch in mid November. Each charity will be the subject of several print features and online articles and videos over the following two months.
On the first Sunday of December, the Telegraph will host a phone-in day, where staff and their best known contributors take telephone donations from readers. In the past, those present have included cartoonist Matt Pritchett, columnist Allison Pearson and writer Bryony Gordon.
In 2017, readers generously raised in excess of £560,000, with over £80,000 being raised on the phone-in day alone.
Applications from UK registered charities are open until 5pm on Friday 31 August 2018.
Applicants must include the name of the charity, its UK registered charity number, the name of the person applying and their contact details. Crucially, applicants must also provide a summary of no more than 150 words, explaining how the charity works and how this appeal would benefit them, or mentioning a particular project that they would like the appeal to support.
Shortlisted charities will be contacted in September and invited to submit a longer application of approximately 1000 words, and to make a presentation to a committee of Telegraph executives in person before the end of September.
For further information and to apply, visit: www.telegraph.co.uk/christmas/0/calling-charities-applications-now-open-telegraph-christmas/, or email: [email protected].