Community Shares on Crowdfunder
Community Shares are an effective way for groups to raise money for projects that benefit a particular community. We've helped hundreds of Community Shares projects reach their target, find out how we could help you.
Raising social investment with Crowdfunder
At Crowdfunder we work with a wide range of partners, who can help you get the investment needed to help your charity or social enterprise grow.
If you’re at an early stage in your investment journey then rewards based crowdfunding can be a great way to test out your business plan on real people, and secure funds to help you on your way. Securing some of your funding through crowdfunding can also send a powerful message to potential investors that your enterprise has the backing and support of your community.
If you’re ready to grow and looking for significant sums of money, then our partners may be able to help with loan finance or equity investments.
For Cooperatives and Community Benefit Societies a community share issue could help you raise the investment you need from your community.
Social investment success stories
See how previous projects have done it
GlenWyvis Distillery
£2.5 million from 2,400 investors
Scotland's Dingwall in Ross-shire had a proud tradition of malt whiskey production since 1690. Ninety years after the last of the town's whiskey distilleries closed, GlynWyvis became the world's first community owned plant thanks to a staggering £2.5 million community shares fundraise on Crowdfunder. In the end more than 2,400 investors from 30 countries had bought shares in the largest crowdfunding campaign of its kind in the UK.
Sole of Discretion
£142,055 including £5,000 match from Plymouth City Council and a £130,000 investment
Sole of Discretion is working to create a stable market and distribution system for a network of small-scale fishers around Britain’s coast. They’ve now built the first fish processing centre in Plymouth, thanks to their Crowdfunder project, which also led to a £130,000 investment from Social & Community Capital.
Jubilee Pool
£528,680 from 1,380 investors
Jubilee Pool used a share issues with a minimum target of £350,000 to complete the funding needed for a £1.8m development project. The share issue raised £528,680, which allowed them to reduce the level of debt they had to take on.
The Cheeky Panda
£12,785 from 67 supporters
The Cheeky Panda concept turns unused bamboo that would otherwise goes to waste into luxury tissues. Following their initial crowdfunding success, Cheeky Panda have gone onto raise £1.6 million through equity crowdfunding to grow the business.
How crowdfunding works
Add your idea to Crowdfunder
Create your unique page. Tell you story and explain your idea. Then set a target and how long you need to reach it.
Get the word out
Spread the word to friends, professional contacts and others in your community. Tell everyone you know about your project.
Get funded
People who like your idea donate or pledge money in return for a reward they’ll receive once your project succeeds.
+Extra funding for Social investment
We have extra funding for Social investment projects on Crowdfunder
Funds available for social investment projects
Power to Change
Get up to £6,000
Up to £6,000 of extra funding to help start or grow community businesses in England such as community owned shops, pubs, sports facilities and local landmarks.
Forward Enterprise Fund
Get up to £5,000
Grant match funding and business support for start-up and early stage charities and social enterprises creating jobs for ex-offenders and people in recovery.
The Reach Fund
Get up to £15,000
Funded by Access for charities and social enterprises to apply for grants of around £15,000. The grants can be used to pay for specific support that may help them to raise investment.
Other support for social investment projects
Connecting you to investment
The Connect Fund has been set up to strengthen the social investment market in England to better meet the needs of charities and social enterprises.
Social & Community Capital
Social & Community Capital offer alternative funding to community business, charities and social enterprises who don't qualify for mainstream loans.
Benefits of crowdfunding
Raise awareness
The average Crowdfunder project reaches 10,000 people.
Test your business plan
Offering products or services gives an opportunity to test public appetite.
Increase your supporters
Typically 70% of people who pledge on a crowdfunding campaign have never supported the project financially before.