The equivalent of £100,000 has been pledged to support voluntary and community sector organisations through Match My Project, a Cambridge City Council backed initiative that connects community needs with businesses able to offer resources, skills, and support.
Registered suppliers have committed this funding towards delivering projects requested through the platform and the council is encouraging more charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and grassroots organisations to sign up to Match My Project.
More than 60 community groups have already signed up to Match My Project since it launched in March 2025. The platform unlocks new opportunities for charities and social enterprises to access support from registered businesses and suppliers who are able to meet their needs.
Ranging from skilled volunteer time to equipment, professional expertise, or funding, community groups can easily request the specific support they need, making it simpler than ever to connect with businesses wanting to give back.
The platform strengthens the resilience of the city’s voluntary and community sector by removing barriers between organisations and potential supporters.
Community groups are the experts in understanding local challenges but might not have access to the resources required to meet them. Match My Project bridges this gap, creating a practical, streamlined route for meaningful collaboration.
The platform has already led to 7 completed projects and 27 projects that are currently underway. There are 52 businesses and suppliers already registered seeking to support community groups in Cambridge.
Cllr Anna Smith, Cabinet Member for Communities said, “Match My Project has already enabled some great projects to be completed and there are already so many in progress.
“We know that more and more people are turning to the third sector for support, and it can be financially challenging to meet the demand that is being placed on these organisations. Match My Project helps to ease some of that burden. It gives groups the chance to say what they need and provides an easy way for businesses to offer help.
“This is a great opportunity that the council is proud to offer. I’d really encourage charities, voluntary groups, social enterprises and grassroots organisations to take this opportunity, get signed up and upload their requests. There are some great organisations in Cambridge that are willing and ready to support you so you can continue to deliver the important work you do.
“If you are a business, wanting to help, please do look at the requests out there. It’s not just about groups requesting funding – you might have just the skills, facilities or kit that one of our voluntary group’s needs.
“By working together, we can create a city that is fair for all.”
Connected Kerb aids Cambridge Online to boost digital inclusion
Cambridge Online has been helping residents in Cambridge to access devices and the internet for around 30 years.
Increasingly, things are being done digitally and for those that don’t have access to the internet or a suitable device this often results in digital exclusion.
Sourcing laptops that are in good condition is not always easy, especially where financial limitations exist, and it can often take months at a time. For the students that Cambridge Online supports this can heavily impact their learning experience and outcomes.
Cambridge Online uploaded their need to the Match My Project platform and were able to match with Connected Kerb, who were looking to do something to give back to the community. Connected Kerb were able to supply 10 laptops (new and used) to support Cambridge Online in its delivery of this important service which benefits the community.
