Council extends funding round to help bring community projects to life

Cheshire West and Chester Council has extended the latest Cheshire West Crowd funding round, with funding still available to support community projects across west Cheshire.

Run by the Council in partnership with Spacehive, Cheshire West Crowd helps community-led projects turn great ideas into reality, making neighbourhoods across the borough more vibrant, resilient and connected.

To date, the Council's average pledge to successful projects has covered around 50 per cent of a project's funding target, typically between £5,000 and £10,000.

Since Cheshire West Crowd launched in 2021, 218 community-led projects have successfully raised £3.3 million+, with support from more than 12,000 backers.

Councillor Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Democracy, Workforce and Communities, said:

"Cheshire West Crowd continues to demonstrate the power of local people coming together to make a positive difference in their communities.

"From improving community spaces and supporting local activities to delivering environmental projects, we've seen first-hand how crowdfunding can help transform ideas into projects that have a lasting impact.

"By extending this funding round, we're giving more groups the opportunity to access financial support and bring forward projects that matter to them. I'd encourage anyone with an idea that could benefit their community to explore what Cheshire West Crowd can offer."

The average campaign funding target is £10,000. Larger crowdfunding campaigns can also be successful where organisations have secured some match funding in advance, developed a strong campaign plan and explored multiple funding opportunities.

Cllr Donovan added:

"Getting started is easier than many people think, and there is plenty of support available from both Spacehive and the Council's Communities team throughout the crowdfunding journey. Whether you have a fully developed project or just the seed of an idea, help is available every step of the way."

An online workshop will be held on 10 September at 12 noon, providing an opportunity for potential project creators to find out more about Cheshire West Crowd and hear how previous projects have benefited from the initiative.

To register for the workshop, visit: 

Cheshire West and Chester Project Creator Workshop

Projects seeking support from the Climate Change Emergency Fund are encouraged to contact the Council's Climate Change Emergency team at: 

climatechange3@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.

The team can discuss potential projects and help applicants strengthen their proposals before applying for funding. Previous projects supported through the fund have included the installation of solar panels, LED lighting and insulation measures.

The deadline for projects to be verified by Spacehive and go live on Cheshire West Crowd, including applications for Council funding, is Wednesday 21st October 2026.

Funding panels will take place in w/c 16th November 2026.