The Art of Crowdfunding – with Crowdfunder CEO Simon Deverell

We are delighted to announce the CC has officially partnered with Crowdfunder, the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform. Opening up projects to the crowd is a great step forward to increase engagement, impact and funding for all of our Foundations, grantees and their projects. Like us, Crowdfunder is a ‘community first’ organisation, so it is the perfect partnership. The new CC Crowdfunder platform will also open up new opportunities to allow our partners to directly engage with their employees and customers on the things they care about, wherever they may be. 

Together we will be able to do much more to protect and restore nature and this is the first step in creating a more impactful and connected movement! We’re proud to share prize draws, project match funding and sporting campaigns from across the network below, please take a look here. All of them are live and ready to support today. 

-Jade Brudenell, Executive Director of Conservation Collective.

ASK THE EXPERT Q&A with Simon Deverell, CEO of Crowdfunder

~ If you could share one key, lesser-known tip to someone crowdfunding, what would it be?

Talk about your “why” as much as your “what.”

People don’t just back projects – they back purpose. We consistently see that campaigns with a clear, heartfelt motivation outperform those that just explain the work. Especially in nature-based or community projects, when the ‘why’ shines through – whether it’s anger, joy, justice or legacy – supporters feel emotionally invested. And emotional investment drives more and (sometimes) bigger pledges!

~ In your experience, do people fund ideas or people?

People every time. The best ideas don’t get backed unless the person behind them feels genuine. Like everything in life, authenticity builds trust – and trust builds support. When project owners show up with honesty, vulnerability, and purpose, it stops being a pitch and starts being a story others want to join. That’s what drives funding.

~ What is your favourite example of a Crowdfunder for grassroots nature work that surpassed its target?

The Friends of the Dart campaign is a brilliant example. In a recent work away day to the River Dart, we learnt about the struggles the river and surrounding environment are facing – so was delighted to see this amazing project aiming to clean it up and hold polluters to account, it raised£60,000 with support from 300+ supporters and +Extra Funding from Conservation Collective. A powerful local campaign that sparked regional action.

~ What turns a crowdfunding campaign into a movement and not just a fundraiser?

Purpose and participation. When people feel like they’re part of the story – not just funding it – that’s when real momentum builds. It stops being just about the money and starts being about meaning, shared purpose and collective action!