George Michael's 'Last Christmas' royalties helped fund over 20 youth grants
Royalties from the 1984 Wham! hit 'Last Christmas' have funded over 20 grants for youth-focused charities in the UK. The initiative, managed by the George Michael Fund, supports causes including mental health, homelessness, and child welfare.
Why it matters
It highlights the enduring philanthropic legacy of George Michael and the long-term impact of charitable music royalties on social support systems.
A Christmas song about heartbreak has found a lasting way to help people facing difficult times. Four decades after Wham! released Last Christmas, royalties accumulated from sales of the festive hit helped the George Michael Fund make more than 20 grants to organisations supporting children and young people across the UK. The funding, announced to mark the song’s 40th anniversary in 2024, helped provide Christmas gifts to disadvantaged children, counselling for young people struggling with their mental health, and support for LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness or family estrangement, according to the fund’s official website.The initiative reflects the late singer’s long-standing commitment to charitable giving, which he often did without publicity during his lifetime.
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