Giving local charities and community groups a real boost

After more than £82,000 was raised through a crowdfunding effort launched by Cheshire West and Chester Council, community initiatives across the borough are receiving much-needed financial support.

The Council kickstarted the crowdfunding effort on Spacehive with a £50,000 contribution and the Westminster Foundation added a further £25,000 soon after. Other organisations, such as the Hoppy Trust, individuals and councillors have also joined the collective effort to support local charities and community groups.

This follows the Community Response Fund worth £500,000 that was launched towards the start of the pandemic and has now been distributed in full.

Grants will focus on key priorities like food poverty, isolation and befriending services, mental health support, older people’s services, support for children and young people and financial hardship.

More than £20,000 in grants has already been awarded to worthy community initiatives, supporting the likes of Soul Kitchen, Changing Lives Together, Inclusive Community Development, Spider Project CIC, Age UK Cheshire and many others.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed to this crowdfunding effort to support our local community initiatives.

“Our communities have pulled together throughout the pandemic and supported those in need. The community spirit shown has been truly inspiring. 

Many charities and community groups have faced additional pressure so further funding opportunities like this are vital, allowing them to continue adapting and delivering their services.

“It’s incredible we’ve managed to crowdfund more than £82,000 and it’ll no doubt go a long way for our local community initiatives.”

How to apply for funding

Do you know a not-for-profit community initiative that could benefit from this crowdfunding effort?

All they need to do is email: communitiescwc@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. They’ll be able to request an application form and submit it to the same email address.

A panel, including representatives from Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA), will review the application forms and turn them around as soon as possible.