People and communities
Crowdfund Walsall opens twelfth funding round as programme marks five years of community impact
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Through Walsall Council’s External Funding Team, the ‘Crowdfund Walsall’ programme is offering funding to support community-led projects that deliver activities, opportunities and improvements for residents across the borough.
Crowdfund Walsall enables organisations, including registered charities, community groups, social enterprises and local voluntary organisations, to raise funds for projects that benefit Walsall residents.
Funding supports community-led initiatives linked to heritage, culture, health and wellbeing, and community safety. These projects deliver activities, services and improvements that benefit residents and neighbourhoods across the borough.
With the launch of its twelfth funding round, a range of match-funding opportunities are available for constituted organisations.
Over £275,000 of funding is available for heritage, cultural, Tackling Inactivity, Dementia and reducing crime initiatives. Projects must benefit Walsall residents and be delivered within the borough.
“ Crowdfund Walsall gave us at Short Heath Lest We Forget the support and assistance that helped turn a dream into a reality for our community.
When we first started our community Christmas light events, we had around 80 people attend on the evenings. The switch-on and light walk is now attended by around 900 people, who really look forward to this local event.
The original project, so passionately supported by Crowdfund Walsall, has created a long-term synergistic effect that will give the community pleasure for many years to come. “
“ Through the twelfth funding round, we are continuing to support community and voluntary organisations that are delivering projects which make a real difference to people’s lives across the borough.
We have already seen the benefits of Crowdfund Walsall in areas such as New Invention and Short Heath, where projects like community Christmas lights have helped bring residents together. Similar resident-led initiatives have taken place across the borough, showing how communities can be empowered to improve their local areas.
Crowdfund Walsall has helped local groups turn ideas into projects that bring communities together, create new activities and opportunities, and improve the places where people live.
As the programme marks its fifth year, it is clear that its impact goes far beyond the funding itself. It has enabled communities across the borough to develop projects that strengthen local connections, provide opportunities for residents to get involved, and support wellbeing in their local area.
We encourage organisations and community groups to come forward with their ideas, explore the funding available and consider submitting a proposal. “
Since launching in February 2021 in partnership with Spacehive, the programme has supported more than 67 projects across the borough, generating a total project value of £842,362. This includes more than £489,000 in Crowdfund Walsall pledges. The programme has also achieved 172% leverage rate through match-funding.
50% of funded projects have been delivered in the most deprived areas of the borough. Project activity has taken place across more than 16 wards, with 11 projects delivered across multiple locations, extending the reach and impact of the programme to communities across Walsall.
In the last two years alone, more than 3,480 residents have taken part in activities delivered through Crowdfund Walsall projects, including over 231 sessions such as exercise classes, gardening activities, dementia information events and repair cafés. These projects have also supported 11 community events and over 605 volunteer hours, helping strengthen community participation and local engagement.
The Crowdfund Walsall programme has also been shortlisted for the Government Grants 2026 Innovation Award, with winners due to be announced on 12 March 2026. The nomination recognises Crowdfund Walsall’s partnership with Spacehive, which brings together external funding and funding from central, regional and local government through a single, community-led platform. This model enables communities to shape projects locally while ensuring public funding is aligned and delivers value for money.
Projects must submit their project pages and pitches for the round twelve funding opportunities by 15 April 2026.
Applications can be submitted via the Spacehive online portal: Crowdfund Walsall - Home - Spacehive
Organisations interested in applying or discussing project ideas can contact Crowdfund Walsall via: CrowdfundWalsall@walsall.gov.uk.
