Bring your community project ideas to life as Westhive reopens for its Spring 2025 funding round
West Oxfordshire District Council is excited to announce that the Spring 2025 funding round for its popular community crowdfunding initiative, Westhive, is now open for applications. Residents and community groups are encouraged to bring forward their ideas to create vibrant, connected, and inclusive communities across the district.
Cllr Rachel Crouch, Executive Member for Stronger Healthy Communities, said:
“Westhive has shown us just how passionate our community is about making positive changes. With 12 projects having successfully met their crowdfunding targets and over £412,000 pledged to them so far, it’s clear that residents care deeply about the future of West Oxfordshire and are committed to helping its communities thrive.
“The best ideas often come from within our communities, and so we are thrilled to reopen the door for even more this spring, no matter how big or small.
“We encourage everyone with an idea to take part, and for anyone who may need some guidance turning their ambitions into reality, our upcoming creator’s workshop will provide the tools and support to help you launch a successful crowdfunding campaign.”
Westhive’s 12 successfully funded projects have so far attracted 416 backers, with local residents and businesses supporting projects aimed at improving things like health and well-being, and community services and spaces. The Council has also pledged over £270,000 in total to help projects succeed. The Spring 2025 funding round offers another chance for local residents to transform their visions into reality, with the Council pledging up to £10,000 per project.
To help guide potential project creators, Spacehive will be hosting a Project Creator’s Workshop on Tuesday 4 February 2025 from 12:00-1:00pm. The free online workshop will provide insights into available funding opportunities for community projects, advice on crafting your project and running a successful crowdfunding campaign, and breakout rooms offering tailored support for specific project needs.
Spaces for the workshop are now open for booking through Eventbrite. You can also contact our Funding Officer for advice and to talk through your plans: [email protected] / 01993 861572.
The deadline to apply for the Spring 2025 funding round is 31 March 2025, so projects must be fully launched and permissions secured by this date.
For more information about the Westhive, the funding available, or to get started on your project, visit: https://www.spacehive.com/movement/westhive/
Contact Information
West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team
Notes to editors
- The Westhive programme is delivered in partnership with the UK’s leading civic crowdfunding platform, Spacehive, to deliver and fund projects brought forward by the community.
- Eligible projects for Westhive funding must be local and improve the natural environment, address climate and ecological emergencies, or increase community resilience. It supports registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, and individuals with community-focused projects.
- Westhive projects can be simple and creative, like a street mural or community garden, or more ambitious, like hosting large community events or support groups.