Crowdfunder sees surge in grassroots political fundraising ahead of May 7th

Mace | 6th May 2026 | Politics
(Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)

Crowdfunding is up 236% compared to equivalent pre-election period in 2022 with support being driven by lower-income communities.

Crowdfunder, the UK’s leading crowdfunding platform, has released new data showing a marked growth in grassroots political fundraising ahead of the 2026 local elections.

A total of £436,000 was raised for political causes on Crowdfunder from January to April 2026 — a 236% increase on the equivalent pre-local election period in 2022. There has also been a significant increase in the amount of people donating to political causes, with campaigns receiving three times as many individual pledges as in 2022. 

“Crowdfunding for political causes is about more than just raising money — it’s about active participation in a political system.”

The data also points to a broadening base of participation in how political campaigns are funded. Notably, support is concentrated in more deprived communities: 42% of backers of political campaigns are based in the 30% most deprived areas of the UK, compared to 21% from the least deprived—indicating strong engagement from lower-income areas.

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.”

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 …

Subscribe to The Mace

Join the member community shaping British politics and stay ahead of what's really happening in the world of politics and public affairs, with expert analysis, breaking news, and insider insights from Westminster and Brussels. The Mace is the leading news source and resource for the government affairs industry, offering required reading and lobby intelligence for professionals.

To see what you are missing out on by not subscribing to The Mace, click here to download our full membership info-pack. This includes having no paywall on op-ed content or profiles/interviews, allowing professional profiles to be read with maximum impact and visibility by government, special advisers, MPs, peers, civil servants, and policy and political decision-makers.



Tories Unveil Plans for Judge-Led Inquiry into Grooming Gangs After Collapse of Government Process

Thomas Edwards | December 8, 2025

Conservatives propose a judge-led inquiry with full statutory powers to investigate grooming gangs after the previous government process stalled amid resignations.

Zarah Sultana Urges Progressive Alliances to Block Farage as Your Party Weighs Strategy for Next Election

Mace | December 8, 2025

Zarah Sultana calls for electoral alliances with other progressive parties as Your Party considers cooperation to prevent Nigel Farage gaining national power.

Farage Faces Police Review After Allegations Over Clacton Election Spending

Mace | December 8, 2025

Farage is reported to police over claims his Clacton campaign under-declared expenses, prompting calls for investigation as Reform UK denies wrongdoing.

Government Unveils Plan to End Use of B&Bs for Children in Temporary Housing Crisis

Mace | December 5, 2025

Government pledges to stop children living in B&B

OBR Backs Reeves as Row Over Budget Messaging Continues

Mace | December 1, 2025

The OBR says Reeves did not mislead the public on pre-Budget challenges, easing pressure amid criticism over forecasts, leaks and government messaging.

Government Plan to Scrap Jury Trials for Shorter-Sentence Crimes

Mace | December 1, 2025

Ministers plan to replace many jury trials with judge-only hearings for offences under three-year sentences, prompting strong criticism from lawyers and opposition parties.

PM stands by 2025 Budget as he rejects claims of misleading public

Mace | November 30, 2025

Starmer defends his Budget, denies misleading the public and faces criticism over tax rises, OBR forecasts and political fallout across Westminster.

Government to Ban Asylum Seekers from Taxi Services

Thomas Edwards | November 30, 2025

The government plans to end most taxi travel for asylum seekers attending medical appointments, replacing it with public transport and tightening Home Office oversight.

Two peers face suspension from House of Lords for breaking lobbying rules

Mace | November 24, 2025

Two long-serving members of the House of Lords have been suspended after an official inquiry found they provided parliamentary services in return for commercial gain.

Badenoch moves to revive Conservative donors’ advisory board

Mace | November 7, 2025

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, is preparing to relaunch an exclusive advisory board for high-value donors. The board previously provided donors access to senior ministers and