Council reviewing the success of its Westhive community crowdfunding initiative following powerful local impact

Following its resounding success in bringing local projects to life, the Westhive community crowdfunding initiative will be reviewed to consider continuation for its third year. Alongside this, the Council is also exploring a new small grants scheme to offer more community funding opportunities and support for groups running much smaller community projects, or for projects that are not yet well established.

Since its launch, Westhive has enabled residents to take the lead in shaping their local areas, raising significant funds for projects that directly benefit their communities. So far, over £630k has been raised for local projects, there has been a total of 528 backers, and 13 projects have been successful in receiving funding, with 5 more currently campaigning to reach their crowdfunding targets. 

Councillor Rachel Crouch, Executive Member for Stronger Healthy Communities, said: 

"Westhive gives power directly to our communities and because our residents know what their areas need, the initiative helps them to take the lead in putting ideas forward and bringing them to life. 

"The scheme has proven that when you put communities in control, incredible things can be achieved. We’ve seen some fantastic projects come to life, from enhancements to local sports clubs and community gardens, to food waste prevention and mental health support, all led by passionate local people. 

“If we continue this scheme, we can build on this initial success and give more groups the opportunity to make a difference to their local area. We are also considering some new small grants, based on the feedback from local people, which will provide another route for communities to get the vital funding they need for their smaller local projects or services." 

So far, the Council has pledged over £276,000 through both its main Westhive fund and UK Shared Prosperity funding for capital projects, to help bring community initiatives to fruition. To ensure the scheme continues to thrive and reach even more groups, the Council is considering increasing the maximum pledge to £12,000 or 75% of a project’s total cost, whichever is lower. 

Some examples of schemes that have been successful so far are: 

• Windrush Bike Project - Cycles of Good: Providing bicycles to families in need and offering skill development for vulnerable adults. 
• Cotswold Arts Through Schools - Providing creative opportunities for children in schools. 
• FarmAbility - Get Set Gagingwell – The MAP Garden: Creating community-led gardens to improve mental health and reduce loneliness in vulnerable adults through outdoor work. 
• Witney Food Revolution - Food Surplus Redistribution in Witney: Reducing food waste and supporting those in need by redistributing surplus food. 
• Jewins Women2Women - Role of Culture & Faith within Domestic Violence: Supporting survivors of domestic abuse through building culturally appropriate services. 
• Thomas Gifford Trust - Charlbury Youth Ambassador: Engaging young people in leadership roles within their communities. 
• Aspire Oxford - Tuition for Marginalised Young People: Providing support for young people facing educational barriers. 
• Witney Vikings Youth Football Club - Grow the Game: Expanding facilities and creating new football teams, including those for children with special educational needs and disabilities. 
• Bridewell Gardens - Growing at Bridewell Gardens: Developing community garden opportunities for people in recovery. 
• Eynsham Allotment Association - Call of Nature: Improving accessibility to the allotment by adding a composting toilet and wheelchair-friendly paths. 
• Long Mead Foundation & Nature Recovery Network - Community-led Meadow Creation: Restoring and creating meadows to enhance biodiversity. 

By considering this extension, the Council aim to enable Westhive to continue to put funding decisions in the hands of residents, helping them turn their ideas into impactful projects that benefit and support their communities. Community groups are encouraged to step forward and apply for support by visiting the Westhive platform or contacting our Community Funding Officer - wodc.grants@westoxon.gov.uk. 

Contact Information

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk