Community fund steps in for volunteer radio and theatre upgrade
Two Northampton organisations have received a financial boost from Commsave Credit Union’s Community Fund as the lender marks its 35th anniversary. The mutual has awarded two grants of £1,000 each to NLive Radio and Royal & Derngate, the town’s principal theatre and arts venue.
The awards aim to support local culture and community provision at a time when both organisations face financial challenges and capital needs. NLive Radio is a volunteer-run station that provides free airtime to charities and community groups alongside its music programming, while Royal & Derngate is progressing plans to upgrade its auditorium after securing support from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund.
NLive Radio has been seeking alternative support since the loss of funding from the University of Northampton. The station’s output is provided by presenters and volunteers who have close ties to the town through living, working or having grown up in Northampton.
“Supporting organisations that bring communities together is exactly what our Community Fund is here to do,” said Matt Goulding, Chief Executive of Commsave. “NLive Radio gives local charities and community groups a voice, while Royal & Derngate brings culture and creativity to the heart of Northampton.”
What the grants will do
The two grants are modest but targeted, reflecting the Community Fund’s focus on local initiatives. Commsave has previously worked with NLive — appearing on air and supporting the station’s Christmas gift campaign — and the nomination for Royal & Derngate came from a Commsave member.
- £1,000 to NLive Radio to help sustain operations and community programming following the withdrawal of university funding.
- £1,000 to Royal & Derngate to contribute towards planned auditorium improvements.
Funding picture for the theatre
Royal & Derngate has already secured backing from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund, but still needs further funds to complete the auditorium project. The theatre is reported to be working to raise the remaining £100,000 required to finish the upgrade.
| Organisation | Grant awarded | Project / purpose |
|---|---|---|
| NLive Radio | £1,000 | Support for volunteer-run local radio after loss of university funding |
| Royal & Derngate | £1,000 | Contribution towards auditorium upgrade (shortfall of £100,000) |
Local impact and next steps
For listeners and community groups across Northamptonshire, sustaining NLive Radio matters because it offers free airtime for charities and local campaigns. The station’s volunteer presenters also provide a direct link between community storytelling and the airwaves.
At Royal & Derngate, the auditorium upgrade is part of wider efforts to maintain and improve facilities that host theatre productions, community events and touring shows. Completing the project will rely on additional fundraising and support from public and private backers to meet the remaining £100,000 target.
Commsave’s Community Fund launched in 2022 and this round of awards reflects the mutual’s intention to support grassroots projects and cultural organisations in Northampton and beyond. Matt Goulding added that it was encouraging to see Commsave members nominate causes close to them, illustrating a local approach to charitable giving.
Both organisations now face the practical work of converting this seed support into longer-term stability or completion of their projects. NLive will continue to seek partners and backers to replace lost university funding, while Royal & Derngate will press on with fundraising to close the remaining gap for the auditorium works.
For residents and local groups, the grants are a reminder that small sums from community funds can play a role in sustaining services and venues that contribute to Northampton’s cultural life.
