Calvert Exmoor: How Crowdfunding Saved an Accessible Adventure Centre
by Tom Wood | Dec 27, 2024 | Stories
Calvert Exmoor, an accessible adventure centre in North Devon, was on the brink of closure in 2023. Rising costs and a gap in funding threatened its operations, but a remarkable Crowdfunder campaign turned things around. With support from over 2,200 donors, they raised over £519,000, safeguarding their mission of empowering people with disabilities through outdoor activities.
Rising to the Challenge
Jenny Young, Centre Director, shared the gravity of the situation: “We saw a hole in our cash flow coming down the line… Nothing was working. And then we ran out of time.” With redundancy notices issued, the staff launched their campaign, driven by a shared determination.
Their efforts gained national attention with coverage on BBC and ITV News. Lizzi Stevenson, Sales and Guest Experience Manager, said the team looked to other successful Crowdfunder campaigns for inspiration. “We listened to the Crowdfunder and Park Lane Stables podcast… they raised a huge amount in a short timeframe. That gave us hope.”
Mobilising the Community
The campaign’s rewards played a key role in its success. Bryony Lewis, Digital Marketing Executive, shared how the team used videos across platforms to connect with supporters. “I made a video a day for three weeks,” she said. Tangible gift bags and opportunities to name stables, horses, or activity areas helped attract a diverse range of donors, from local residents to international supporters.
Lizzi added, “We saw donations from across the UK and abroad—America, Germany, and beyond. It was amazing to see how far our story reached.”
Transforming Lives
Calvert Exmoor’s impact is best expressed by its guests. Rachel, who regularly visits the centre, explained how it changed her life: “My independence has been brilliant. I’m more confident now. I got a train here, and I can’t believe I did it. Next time, I’ll book it myself because I know I can do it.”
Tom Moores, Chief Instructor, spoke about the centre’s transformative power: “Guests come in as one person and leave as another. Seeing that journey, even for returning visitors, is incredibly heartwarming.”
A Brighter Future
Thanks to the campaign, Calvert Exmoor’s future is secure, and its story of resilience continues to inspire. Jenny expressed her gratitude: “You’ve changed our lives as staff and will continue to change the lives of our guests for years to come.”
This success isn’t just about saving a centre—it’s about preserving a place where people of all abilities can thrive. As Tom noted, “The Crowdfunder has helped showcase Calvert and open horizons for even more people.”
With their new momentum, Calvert Exmoor can continue to be a source of adventure and independence for people from all over the UK.
If you have a project you would like to crowdfund for, Get Started here.