West Oxfordshire Crowdfund launches to help bring community ideas to life
Community groups, charities and local organisations can now turn their ideas into reality with the launch of West Oxfordshire Crowdfund, a new community funding programme from West Oxfordshire District Council.
The programme, launched today, will bring together Council funding with donations from local residents, businesses and other supporters to help projects that make a positive difference to communities across West Oxfordshire.
Projects could include improvements to community facilities, activities that bring people together, or initiatives supporting wellbeing, young people, arts and culture, sport, or the local environment.
The Council has allocated £120,000 each year for the next 3 years to support projects through the programme, which is being delivered in partnership with Crowdfunder UK.
The programme builds on the success of the Council’s previous crowdfunding programme, Westhive, which supported 54 community projects, attracted 1,886 backers and secured more than £1.19 million in pledges for community initiatives across West Oxfordshire.
Councillor Sandra Coleman, Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, said:
“Local people know their communities best. West Oxfordshire Crowdfund can help turn their great ideas into action and attract the funding to make them happen.
"Whether it’s improving a much-loved community facility, bringing people together to connect, or creating new opportunities for local residents, we want to help you get your ideas off the ground and attract the funding you need.”
Through West Oxfordshire Crowdfund, community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations with an idea that will benefit West Oxfordshire, can create a campaign on the Crowdfunder UK website. Organisations will set out their project and fundraising target, then build support within their community and encourage people to donate to their campaign.
Projects that meet the Council’s match funding priorities may then be eligible for a Council funding pledge, giving their campaign an extra boost.
Councillor Tim Sumner, Executive Member for Arts, Culture and Sports, said:
“West Oxfordshire Crowdfund gives local people and organisations the chance to be ambitious and creative.
“We’d love to see ideas that create opportunities for young people through sport, arts and culture, or bringing communities together. If you have a great idea, get your community behind it and see where it could take you.”
Crowdfunder UK will provide free support to project creators, including tutorials, webinars, and access to a dedicated helpdesk, with no project hosting costs.
Dawn Bébe, Co-CEO at Crowdfunder UK, said:
“We’re delighted to support the launch of West Oxfordshire Crowdfund, helping local organisations build support and raise funds for their ideas.
“We look forward to providing the tools and guidance they need to run successful crowdfunding campaigns.”
Residents and businesses are encouraged to get involved by backing projects as they go live, whether through donations, sponsorship or simply helping to spread the word.
Groups and organisations interested in applying should submit their project on the Crowdfunder website. The first application window is open from 2 November 2026 to 18 January 2027.
To find out more about West Oxfordshire Crowdfund, including who can apply, funding available and how to get started, visit the West Oxfordshire District Council website.