Crowdfund Shropshire, the new civic fundraising platform where community groups can get their projects funded by public and grant funding, is opening in the next month (during February 2024).

Campaigners are encouraged to come along to an online workshop on Tuesday 20 February 2024 to find out about how their project could benefit, how it works and learn some top tips for their campaign.

For this next round of funding, projects can bid for up to £10,000 from the Shared Prosperity Community Fund (in partnership with Shropshire Infrastructure Partnership), and up to £20,000 from the Green Spaces and Active Travel Fund (in partnership with Shropshire Wildlife Trust, and Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin).

Crowdfund Shropshire is being run in partnership with the community fundraising platform Spacehive, which enables local residents to exclusively access funding for community improvement initiatives.

The crowdfunding nature of this programme, in collaboration with council funding, maximises the amount campaigners can raise in order to deliver transformational community projects that matter to them.

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for finance, corporate resources and communities, said:-

“We’re delighted to be able to announce a second round of funding as part of Crowdfund Shropshire, offering community groups another chance to transform their local area.

“If you have an idea please come along to the workshop next month, where you can find out more and explore the abundance of support available to help you make it happen.”

Crowdfund Shropshire launches at Wem Town Hall on Wednesday 11 October 2023

There are currently five projects crowdfunding. They are: Rural Art Hub, Walking in Wem, Multicultural Children’s Day, Little Stars in the Community, and Get Crafty With Words. Both Rural Art Hub and Get Crafty With Words have almost reached their fundraising target. People can check out their projects here for inspiration, and donate or spread the word to help them reach their goal.

Gwilym added:-

“We already have five great projects on the platform which are bidding for your support as part of the first round of funding, which was made available in October 2023.

“Please support them as much as you can and help to make them happen.”

Shropshire’s Shared Prosperity Community Fund has been made possible due to funding under the Communities and Place theme of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, managed by Shropshire Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the Government’s levelling up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

Contact:  partner@spacehive.com or crowdfund@shropshire.gov.uk

About Spacehive

The home of community fundraising, Spacehive makes it easy for people to improve their local area.

Spacehive build technology to help crowdfund local projects that communities want; from spruced up playgrounds and new street markets, to city farms and learning hubs. They have helped fund over 2,000 ideas and raised more than £30 million to support local communities.

When local communities have an idea and start a project, Spacehive connects it to exclusive funds from companies, councils and foundations that want to help bring communities to life.

Spacehive have the highest success rate of any crowdfunding platform in the UK (85% success rate, rising to 94% when a partner pledges). Its aim is to deliver the bright, transformational local project ideas that make communities happy, proud and prosperous.

For more information visit spacehive.com