Council opens new funding round to help brilliant community ideas take flight

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched its seventh funding round on the Cheshire West Crowd, unlocking £245,596 in potential support for community-led projects across west Cheshire.

Delivered in partnership with Spacehive, the Cheshire West Crowd empowers local people to turn their ideas into reality—strengthening neighbourhoods and creating a more vibrant, resilient and connected borough.

Since launching in 2021, the platform has helped 207 projects raise over £3 million, backed by more than 11,000 supporters.

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

“We’re delighted to open another funding round and commit more support to inspiring community projects.

“The Cheshire West Crowd has already transformed ideas into action right across the borough. It’s simple, it’s flexible and it brings people together—projects can secure Council backing while also rallying support from their own communities.

“If you’ve got an idea to make west Cheshire an even better place to live, now’s the time to get involved.”

This round includes two Council funding pots:

• Community Innovation Fund – £152,675
• Climate Change Emergency Fund – £92,921

Pledges to individual projects typically range between £5,000 and £10,000.

Cllr Donovan added:

“You can start a project at any time, and there’s plenty of support available from Spacehive and our Communities team to guide you through your crowdfunding journey.”

An online workshop will take place on Wednesday 29 April, offering potential project creators the chance to learn more about how the platform works and hear success stories from previous rounds.

Cheshire West and Chester - Project Creator Workshop Tickets, Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026 from 12 pm to 1 pm GMT+1 | Eventbrite

Projects with a strong climate focus are especially encouraged to apply.

If you have an idea you’d like to explore, email: 

climatechange3@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 

...to start the conversation.

The Council’s Climate Change Team can provide free expert advice, help shape your proposal and signpost you to additional funding opportunities.

The deadline to create and verify projects on the Cheshire West Crowd—including applications for Council funding—is Wednesday 3rd June.

Funding panels will meet throughout the summer, with successful projects expected to complete their crowdfunding campaigns by December 2026.