Raise funds

Community grants are a widely accessible source of funds for community groups across the UK. Whilst funding sources are available to informal groups, many funders require that a group has a formalised structure with a bank account and annual general meetings to ensure responsible fund management. See our set up a group page for guidance on how to formalise your group.

Local authorities and government agencies offer funds to a range of community groups. In England, you can apply to local councils for funding. If you’re situated in Scotland or Wales, Funding Scotland and Funding Wales offer funding search engines and guidance tailored to your specific group’s needs. For Northern Ireland, see the Supporting Community Funding Service.

Other sources of community group funding include:

• Aviva Community Fund
• Lush Charity Pot
• National Lottery Awards for All: in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
• Matthew Good Foundation
• Local Rotary Clubs
• UK Community Foundation

The Environmental Funders Network offers support to grant seeking environmental organisations through their Green Fundraisers Forum – they have a database of potential community funders. Membership is free – sign up here!

To search for more, use the Charity Excellence Foundation’s free funding finder or simply do a google search!

Grant applications will typically require completing a an application form, whilst some may require a more formal proposal. Either way, potential funders will likely want to hear from you about your:

• Organisation type
• Overall mission, aims, and objectives
• Project – what you plan to do, when and with who
• Plans for measuring impact
• Finances e.g. latest accounts

Funding can be tricky to navigate and time consuming, but there are plenty of helpful guides and resources to help simplify the process.

Further guidance & useful resources:

• Angling Trust guide on funding
• NCVO: Step-by-step guides on how to fund your community group
• Tips for community grant applications
• Writing a community grant application
• You can download our template application letter

Pictured: Campaigners with wads of ‘cash’ at the Oxford clean rivers festival fundraiser 2024

Community fundraising is a widely established effective and engaging way to raise funds. It involves organising events and activities to engage with a community and, when successful, can mobilise support, raise substantial funds and increase awareness of the state of our rivers.

It can be helpful to use an existing online platform to promote your event and collect any donations. One example of this is Just Giving where you can set up a profile for your community organisation.

Community fundraisers are also an opportunity to be creative, learn new skills, or even undertake a personal challenge! Stuck for an idea? See this A-Z of fundraising activities from the NSPCC.

Tips for planning a fundraiser:

• Purpose: Have a clear message behind your fundraiser so that people know why you need the money and what it will go towards.
• Set a goal: Setting a target can help motivate you and attract donations.
• Make it accessible: Ensuring your initiative is open to all is a great way to appeal to a diverse range of people (and potential donors!)
• Promote your event: sharing your event far and wide is key to its success. See our section on media interest for all the tips & tricks.

For more guidance on how to finesse your fundraiser check out this guide to fundraising strategies and tips for planning and promoting your fundraising from Friends of the Earth.

Crowdfunding is an approach that uses an online platform to promote your cause and raise donations from members of the public. It is a relatively hassle-free and user-friendly fundraising method. It’s great for smaller groups, and is suitable for a wide range of projects, whether they focus on specific causes or general support, and can attract donations from a broad audience.

Setting up a crowdfunder is straightforward. There are a number of different platforms to choose from and some will charge a platform fee – so it is good to look around and find what’s best for you.

Crowdfunder platform suggestions:

Crowdfunder UK: a straightforward user friendly platform with comprehensive guidance along the way. Groups can set up a profile and campaign specific crowdfunders.

Big Give – a charitable platform that provides match funding opportunities, where donations are doubled during designated campaign weeks. You must be a registered charity to be eligible.

Just Giving – is a crowdfunding platform that provides the opportunity for individuals or groups to crowdfund on behalf of your campaign. However, it charges a transaction fee on donations.

It’s important to promote your campaign and maximise your outreach:

• Two weeks before – tell your friends and family – save the date!
• Two days before – promote on social media – build the excitement
• On the day – promote to all your contacts and networks
• The first two days – these are the most important – if you can prep a few people who will donate straight away to get the ball rolling
• Keep your supporters up to date if you can, and remember to say Thank You!

After setting up your fundraiser, don’t forget to promote your campaign. Most crowdfunder platforms have guidance and resources you can use to promote your campaign and ensure its success. You can also see our media interest section.