Crowdfunding platform Crowdfunder has released new data showing a marked growth in grassroots political fundraising ahead of the 2026 local elections. And it shows disproportionate levels of support coming from lower-income communities.
A total of £436,000 came in for political causes on Crowdfunder from January to April 2026. This was a 236% increase on the equivalent pre-local election period in 2022. There has also been a significant increase in the number of people donating to political causes. Campaigns have received three times as many individual pledges as in 2022.
The data also points to a broadening base of participation in the funding of political campaigns. Notably, support is stronger in more deprived communities. 42% of backers of political campaigns come from the 30% most deprived areas of the UK. This compares to 21% from the least deprived. It indicates particularly strong engagement in lower-income areas.
The figures come as recent reporting has highlighted the continued role of large individual donors in UK politics. Although crowdfunding continues to represent a small share of overall political finance, it reflects a growing base of smaller contributions from many thousands of supporters, pointing to a different pattern of political engagement and mobilisation.
Green Party leading the way in crowdfunding
Among parties fundraising on the platform directly, the Green Party has the largest number of campaigns currently live (65). Its initial local election Crowdfunder campaign, launched in November 2025, has raised more than £280,000, with the first £100,000 being raised in the first five hours. A more recent campaign, which began on 17 April, has surpassed £115,000.
Beyond party politics, crowdfunding is also being used to influence political causes directly. This ranges from policy campaigns to legal challenges.
EveryDoctor, a campaign group led by NHS doctors, has raised more than £400,000 across 14 Crowdfunder campaigns aimed at challenging the privatisation of the NHS.
Meanwhile, a campaign on CrowdJustice, part of the Crowdfunder family, raised £300,000 to fund a High Court challenge against the proscription of Palestine Action.
Clean Up Britain has just met its £50,000 target to raise funds to install covert cameras across the UK to combat fly-tipping.
Simon Deverell, founder and co-CEO of Crowdfunder, said:
Crowdfunding for political causes is about more than just raising money: it’s about active participation in a political system.
While a single donor can have a significant financial impact, crowdfunding brings large numbers of people together to build momentum and that momentum can translate into real impact on the ground.
As the 2026 local elections approach, the data suggests that grassroots fundraising is becoming an increasingly visible part of the UK’s political landscape, pointing to a shift in how funding campaigns engage supporters and mobilise resources.
Featured image via Crowdfunder / Green Party
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