For Immediate Release
Coexist Community Kitchen's crowdfunding success demonstrates power of collaborative investment as city leaders unite around place-based funding model
The Bristol Roundtable on Community Equity brought together local authority leaders, developers, corporates, funders and community entrepreneurs at Coexist Community Kitchen this week, marking a pivotal moment in how the city approaches regeneration and social value. The event, which saw participants cooking and eating together while discussing Bristol's future growth, demonstrated a new model of collaboration that strips away formality to enable honest conversation about community investment. Coexist Community Kitchen has successfully raised £100k + funds over the last three years, demonstrating the effectiveness of the crowdfunding model discussed at the roundtable. It's now working to raise an additional £50,000 with over £12k match funding from Aviva. "When you bring people together around food and shared purpose, the conversations change," said Alex Hughes from Crowdfunder. "This roundtable proved that communities, developers, and funders want the same thing – regeneration that builds lasting resilience, not just buildings." Dawn Bébe, Co CEO Crowdfunder added: "Bristol is becoming the national demonstrator for how place-based crowdfunding can turn social value obligations into tangible community outcomes. What Coexist has achieved shows what's possible when match funding, corporate social responsibility and community vision align." The Bristol pilot, powered by CrowdfunderConnect, aims to channel £5 million per year into community infrastructure through aligned investment from anchor institutions including Bristol City Council, Bidwells, SNG, Marrons, Aviva, UWE Bristol and Bristol & Bath Regional Capital. The first phase will focus on funding visible community infrastructure such as hubs, kitchens, and youth spaces through aggregating funding sources like Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), section 106 agreements and CSR budgets. Phase Two will establish long-term resilience through community ownership models.The initiative positions Bristol as a blueprint for other UK cities facing major infrastructure investment, proving that regeneration can deliver both buildings and stronger civic trust.
Coexist Community Kitchen has successfully raised funds over the last three years, demonstrating the effectiveness of the crowdfunding model discussed at the roundtable."
Alex Hughes
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
More information here.
To get involved, contact: cfpartnerships@crowdfunderconnect.co.uk
Crowdfunder Connect revolutionises provides place-based crowdfunding infrastructure that connects local authorities, corporates, developers, funders and communities and transforms impact
The Bristol Roundtable on Community Equity took place on 4 November 2025 at Coexist Community Kitchen. Coexist Community Kitchen has raised over £100,000 with additional match funding from Aviva.