Match funding FAQs

🚀 What is Match Funding?

Unlike traditional grants, match funding is offered through Crowdfunder partners who want to support great projects like yours. The difference?

You don’t just apply—you crowdfund first, and the funding partners back you based on how your campaign performs.

So, the more your crowd supports you, the more likely you are to unlock extra cash.

✅ Is My Project Eligible?

Eligibility depends on:

Where your project is based (some partners are regional)
What your project is about (e.g. sports, sustainability, community)
Who’s running it (e.g. community groups, CICs, social enterprises)

We work with:

Local authorities
National Campaigns
Charitable Trusts
Corporate sponsors

They each have their own funding criteria, but don’t worry, there’s plenty to choose from.

❗️ Match funding is not available to those crowdfunding for their own benefit (for example, personal fundraisers), or for charity fundraisers or profile pages.

📝 When Can I Apply?

Some funds let you apply before you go live, while others want to see your project already active and gaining support.

Top tip: The more complete your project page is (with a great story, photos, videos, and a clear ask), the better chance you have of getting funding. Ensure your page also highlights a complete budget breakdown, detailed collaborator roles, and elements like publishing plans if relevant—key factors for partners such as Creative Scotland.

Even if your campaign hasn’t launched yet, a well-crafted draft can make a big difference. Don’t leave it half-finished!

⏳ How Long Does It Take?

It usually takes 1–4 weeks for a funding partner to review your application. If they need extra info, this might take a bit longer, so get in early if you can.

Want to speed things up? Make sure you:

Match your project clearly to the fund’s goals
Include great visuals (video and photos really help)
Follow the fund criteria carefully

💡 How Much Will I Get?

If applying for a specific amount, this is usually up to 50% of your overall project target. How much a partner will pledge is dependent on their funding structure so read their funding criteria carefully.

For example, a partner might offer up to:

50% of your total target
Once you’ve hit 25% of your goal with support from at least 25 unique backers

So if your target is £4,000 and you raise £1,000 from 25 supporters, you could receive up to £2,000 from a partner.

With partners offering live match funding, you will get as much as you raise from your crowd.*

* This is dependent on the match funding terms and conditions. E.g. large pledges may only be partially matched, and some partners have a funding cap etc.

Just be sure to include this funding in your total target when setting your goal.

💸 When Will I Receive It?

Supporter pledges are transferred to your bank based on your chosen payout schedule
Most match funding is transferred separately from money raised from the crowd
If prompted, you’ll need to set up an match funding wallet in your Crowdfunder dashboard to receive it

So expect a short delay compared to your main donations, but rest assured—it’s coming!

🔁 What About Live Match Funding?

If your project is approved for live match funding, that means:

Every donation made to your project will be matched instantly
Matching begins after your application is approved
Backdating of match funding is a discretionary decision made by the funding partner

Example:

If someone donates £40, it could be matched with another £40
If they donate £400 and the match cap is £250, the match will be £250

👉 Some funds only match the first donation from a unique supporter, so encourage more people to get involved!

🎯 Do I Have to Hit My Target?

If your campaign is set to All or Nothing, you’ll need to reach your goal to receive any of the funds raised—this includes your match funding.

Some partners also require you to reach your target for their match to be released, so always read the T&Cs of your specific fund.

Find your fund on the Crowdfunder match funding page to check the details.