We conducted participatory research using creative, participatory approaches; River of Life, Ripple Effect Mapping, and stakeholder interviews with community partnerships to explore the relationship between financial resources and community power within Big Local. By examining power dynamics at individual, organisational, and socio-political levels, we identified how money serves as both a source and enabler of community power. Our research revealed a web of interrelated components that demonstrate how resources can generate and sustain community power effectively.