Crowdfunder and ECB team up to champion crowdfunding in grassroots cricket

Crowdfunder UK and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are working together to create a new crowdfunding training programme for staff and volunteers across the 39 County Cricket Boards.

The six-week initiative is designed to support community cricket clubs with new fundraising campaigns, focusing on the development of projects on the platform and increasing digital marketing skills to make them successful.

The ‘Crowdfunder Champion’ course will comprise six two-hour online sessions, hosted by crowdfunding experts to encourage peer-to-peer learning. Guiding participants through a live end-to-end crowdfunding journey, they will incorporate real-time discussion, video content, quizzes and activities.

Crowdfunder UK works with a number of funding partners to invest extra funding into successful projects on the platform, including a collaboration with Sport England with £7.5 million available for ideas to tackle the current cost of living crisis or facility improvements.

“Our programmes with Sport England have supported numerous cricket projects throughout England and Wales to increase participation and diversity, and reduce inequality in the game,” said Jason Nuttall, Programmes Director at Crowdfunder UK.

“In the past three years we have worked with more than 200 cricket clubs to successfully crowdfund, and we know that through that process the clubs benefit from more than just the funds they raise.”

“They feel far more connected with their communities after their successful campaigns, building financial resilience through crowdfunding at a time they need it most.

“But with 6,000 cricket clubs in the country, we’ve only scratched the surface.

“We’re excited by this new partnership with the ECB to embed the new skills into their network, and help more clubs get the support they need on their crowdfunding journey.”

The ECB runs the successful England teams, oversees domestic and recreational cricket, and runs participation programmes that get children active and playing cricket. Through cricket they want to improve lives and connect communities.

“The ECB already invests a significant amount in grassroots cricket, but this partnership will support clubs in their own fundraising, whether it’s buying new equipment, improving their facilities to become more inclusive or helping them through the cost of living crisis,” added Justin Preston, Clubs Executive at the ECB.

“By working with Crowdfunder, clubs can build deeper connections with their communities as well.”

For more information please visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/cricket