Love God, Love Others

Self-Denial 2026

Your sacrificial gift can bring hope to communities that need it most

Give

Go without something to support the work of the international Salvation Army.

Self-Denial gives us a valuable opportunity to unite with Salvationists around the world, share the love of Jesus and care for people who are disadvantaged and in need.

Our important appeal takes place in 134 countries and involves thousands of Salvationists. Last year, our territorial appeal raised over £1 million to bring real change into communities around the world. Thank you for your kindness.

Salvationists are rooted in communities all around the globe. This year our focus is on our work in Estonia and growing our worldwide mission. You can enable Salvationists to build on the good work. You can help them grow their skills and have the tools they need to serve their communities, into the future.

To order resources, email territorial.appeals@salvationarmy.org.uk

What will you give up?

Deny yourself something for a month and give the money it would have cost to the Self-Denial Appeal instead.

Here are some ideas:

1. A daily offering

Give up something that you do every day. For example, instead of paying to take the bus you could walk or cycle. Or you could cut out a simple treat like a takeaway coffee or a chocolate bar.

2. A specific sacrifice

Go without a specific treat or luxury. It could be a trip to the cinema or a meal out, or perhaps a new pair of trainers or clothes you don’t really need.

3. One week’s salary

Some people feel called to give back to the Lord in thanks to what he has given them. To donate in this special way, please talk to your corps officer or treasurer to find the simplest way to do so.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Every year, through the Self-Denial Appeal, we willingly make some sacrifice to support the work of the international Salvation Army.

This year we stand with those who are struggling in the face of life’s challenges. For many, issues of addiction, hardship and lack of opportunity feel endless. They may not see hope, but we can.

Our hearts are full of joy because we have hope in Christ. Our sacrifices can bring hope to communities that need it most.

Finding hope

Narva is a small city on the banks of Estonia’s Narva River. It’s separated from Russia by a bridge, which has recently closed to traffic and now only allows pedestrians to cross. Many residents are dual nationals, but tensions are high between these neighbouring countries.

A photo shows Olga. — Olga from Narva, Estonia

The corps welcomes everyone. There’s a vibrant children’s programme run by Olga, who is training to be an officer. She is passionate about helping young people. ‘You often see children who are hungry and not well dressed, and you realise they also lack love, attention and communication,’ she said.

Her focus is to give children joy, a sense of care and love. As a mother herself, Olga knows that their mothers need fellowship too, so she invites women to talk, pray and sing together.

My hope for the future is that the church will have many young soldiers.

Olga

You can:

Use the appeal envelope and hand it in during your local altar service on Sunday 1 March, or hand it to a corps leader any time during or after the appeal
Save as you go with a collection box - ask your corps leader for a box and save up for your gift as you go
Give online
Make a one-off payment if you already have a standing order with your corps – speak with your corps leader or treasurer for more information

Local altar services

While corps will hold altar services on a specific date, people can give at any time during or after the appeal.

If you prefer to give online, you are still encouraged to sign your appeal envelope and hand it in during the altar service as a way to participate in corporate worship – you could include a note inside or write on the back to state you have given online.

For more information about how to support your corps appeal, please speak to your corps leader or treasurer.

Collection boxes and envelopes are available from your corps leader.

People use the boxes to save up their gift throughout the month and the appeal envelopes are used during local altar services, although people can hand them in to corps leaders at any time during or after the appeal.

For more information about your local altar service, please speak with your corps leader. You can also contact territorial.appeals@salvationarmy.org.uk.

The Self-Denial Appeal encourages our congregations to give sacrificially towards the international work of The Salvation Army.

Corps across the world get involved and money raised by each territory is redistributed by International Headquarters to the places that need it most. The appeal helps fund essential support services such as administration, IT and other operational costs that enable Salvation Army ministry.

Each year we focus on a difference area of ministry to help people engage with the appeal and pray about our international Army.

Last year, our appeal raised over £1 million to bring real change into people’s lives around the world. This year, by coming together again, we can build on this good work. Through our sacrifices, Salvationists can share the gospel and build hope in more hearts and communities.

In countries where resources are not so plentiful, every pound is hugely important.

Together we can make 2026 another life-changing year.

In 1886, when General William Booth was trying to raise funds for The Salvation Army's international work, an officer pledged to go without pudding for a whole year and give the money to the fund.

Booth liked the idea of people uniting together, challenging themselves to live sacrificially for period of time and then donating the money saved to The Salvation Army. Thus, Self-Denial was born.