Cotswold community projects backed by Crowdfund pledges

The Council has pledged £24,000 through the community crowdfunding programme, which helps residents, community groups and organisations bring ideas to life and make a positive difference across the district. 

In the latest funding round, The Barn Bus, The Phoenix Festival and Down Ampney Village Shop will each receive £8,000. The funding will help expand access to arts and culture for older people in rural areas, support the future of a popular free community festival, and improve the environmental sustainability of the village shop and café. 

Since launching in 2021, Crowdfund Cotswold has raised more than £1.2m for local projects. Cotswold District Council has pledged more than £300,000 to support 60 community initiatives across the district. 

Cllr Patrick Coleman, cabinet member for finance, said: "These projects show the positive difference local communities can make with the right support. From tackling rural isolation to investing in greener community facilities and bringing people together through community events, each project will have a lasting impact. 

"It's fantastic that The Barn Bus has already reached its crowdfunding target following the Council's pledge. I hope that success encourages residents and businesses to support the other live campaigns and help even more great local projects succeed." 

Justine Norman, Trusts and Foundations Manager at The Barn Theatre, said the Council's pledge was a major step towards ensuring older people in rural communities can continue to access live theatre, social connection and the wellbeing benefits of shared cultural experiences. 

Prior to hitting their target, Justine said: "We are incredibly grateful to Cotswold District Council for their generous £8,000 pledge towards The Barn Bus. We hope the Council's backing will encourage others to get behind the campaign so we can make a lasting difference to the lives of hundreds of local people." 

Paul Hutton, Event Manager for The Phoenix Festival, said the Council's continued support was vital in helping the volunteer-led event remain free for everyone to enjoy. 

He said: "We are thrilled to have the backing and support again from Cotswold District Council. Thank you for supporting us and helping us to deliver this much-loved annual festival for Cirencester."    

Richard Busby, Committee Member at Down Ampney Village Shop, welcomed the Council's support, describing it as an important vote of confidence in the project. 

He said: "Together, we can secure a greener, more sustainable future for Down Ampney Village Shop and the community it serves." 

Residents and businesses can support live Crowdfund Cotswold projects from as little as £2. You can view the live projects here: https://www.spacehive.com/programme/crowdfundcotswold  

Anyone interested in creating a community crowdfunding project is also invited to join the free online Crowdfund Cotswold Project Creator Workshop on Friday 17 July, 12–1pm. The session will cover the funding available, provide practical advice on creating a successful project and include interactive activities to help turn ideas into reality. 

Book your free place via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crowdfund-cotswold-project-creator-workshop-tickets-1992118560240