Fundraising and support for 4 Cheeky Monkeys CIC

Aim

Our aim is to keep 4 Cheeky Monkeys open by covering essential costs, protecting a vital community space for children/families.

Our Story

Hello and thank you for being here. We’re 4 Cheeky Monkeys, a small, community-led Stay and Play in Sale, run by a mother-and-daughter team who want more for local families.

I’m Jeneane, and I set up 4 Cheeky Monkeys alongside my mum, Lesley. Lesley is our Centre Manager and the friendly face you’ll see when you visit.

Behind the scenes, I manage messages, social media, grant applications, planning, events and fundraising (and a lot more!). I’m also a mum of three boys, with a background in Children, Schools and Families, a PGCE, and a passion for creating supportive spaces where children can thrive.

We set up 4 Cheeky Monkeys in 2012 after feeling deeply disappointed by the lack of affordable, supportive and accessible services for families in the Sale area.

The building we took on was an old, dilapidated scout hut: windows boarded up, rubbish piled high, and in serious need of electrical and plumbing work. Many people thought we were mad for taking it on.

With personal investment, determination, and huge support from local businesses and organisations, we renovated, decorated and brought the building back to life. What started as a risky idea became a warm, welcoming setting at the heart of the community.

4 Cheeky Monkeys is a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means any profit we make is reinvested straight back into the building, equipment and sessions for children.
We are not profit-driven, we are community-driven.

We rely on:

• Fundraising
• Grants
• Donations
• The ongoing support of families who attend

And we are endlessly grateful for every single person who supports us.

The challenge we’re facing now

We’re incredibly proud to still be open, but the reality of operating an early years setting right now is extremely tough. Across our community, valued playgroups are closing at an alarming rate. These places aren’t just buildings, they are:

• Safe, nurturing spaces for children
• Lifelines for parents
• The heart of local neighbourhoods

Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

Like many early years providers, we’re facing:

• Rising running costs
• Reduced attendance
• Repeated funding rejections despite meeting all requirements

We are operating on the brink. Lesley has gone unpaid, roles have become voluntary, and only the generosity of small local donations has allowed us to carry out essential safety repairs to keep the building usable.

Our vision

Our vision is simple:

• To keep 4 Cheeky Monkeys open, safe and accessible for the local families who rely on us.

We want to protect this space so children can continue to play, learn, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging, and so parents continue to have a supportive place to connect.

How the funds will be used

The money raised through this Crowdfunder will help us to:

• Keep our doors open to children and families
• Cover essential running costs
• Carry out urgent building repairs and maintenance
• Support the staff who make our sessions possible

Every contribution directly helps secure the future of this much-loved playgroup.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made