Anyone with a vision to create a community-led project is invited to the launch of the second round of Stroud Funding – Stroud District Council’s community crowdfunding platform.
Participants can learn about the Stroud Funding programme, how to get involved, key dates, and will hear from a successful project creator at one of two online events:
Launched in September 2024, Stroud Funding has already helped twelve projects achieve their funding goals. These include a boxing club that reduces antisocial behaviour, a street patrol to keep women safe at night, a community composting scheme and new lighting for an arts centre.
Stroud District Council has a fund of £135,000 to pledge towards projects that launch in Spring and Autumn 2025. Projects that align with council priorities, such as addressing environment and climate change or building community resilience and wellbeing, and show evidence of community backing could receive a maximum of £10,000, up to a maximum of 50% of their funding target from SDC’s fund.
The scheme is open to local groups such as schools, sports clubs, community organisations and parish and town councils. The funding could pay for an entire project or part of it, such as a feasibility study, additional classes in an existing programme, and projects that are already part funded through previous funding streams.
Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of SDC’s Community Services & Licensing Committee said:
“The first round of Stroud Funding has been a huge success, with a diverse range of community projects being funded, and more very close to achieving their funding goals.
“Whether you need a few hundred or several thousand pounds to get your project started I encourage anyone with an idea to improve their community to attend one of the events and find out how we can help their idea become a reality.”
Community crowdfunding is an innovative way to raise money for projects that will improve local areas. This includes initiatives that develop skills, promote sustainability, bring people together, provide training, or transform community spaces. Supporters will be invited to pledge money towards the cost of projects that appeal to them via an online community fundraising platform.
SDC has partnered with Spacehive, a platform dedicated to community fundraising which is used by local authorities across the UK. Spacehive has helped launch over 2000 community-led projects and raised over £30 million to support local ideas.
No fundraising experience is necessary. 65% of Spacehive creators are starting a community project for the first time. Spacehive assists project creators with online workshops, 1-2-1 support and resources, and provides advice on everything from project costs to campaign promotion.
Businesses and charitable foundations that have funds for community projects are also welcome to attend.
To register for the online events, please sign up using one of the links above.
If you are unable to attend there is more information about how to register a community project here.
Misha Dhanak, CEO of Spacehive, said:
“The creativity, passion and innovation shown in the first round of ‘Stroud Funding’ has been incredible. The energy and community support for the projects was truly inspiring. So we’re really excited to work with Stroud District Council on a second round of funding and can’t wait to see even more brilliant initiatives come to life.”
Spacehive does not charge a fee to register projects, however, it does charge a success fee if projects reach their fundraising target. There are also transaction fees. All fees will be added to the project target and are clearly displayed here.