The first round of Stroud District Council’s community crowdfunding scheme has been hailed a success with all seventeen groups achieving their funding goals.
A total of 1,865 pledges, worth £254,034, have been made by local people, Stroud District Council (SDC) and other funding bodies.
Funded projects are as diverse as a community composting scheme, new lighting for an arts centre, a street patrol to keep women safe at night and a library of things.
Stroud Funding is a community crowdfunding initiative launched by Stroud District Council (SDC) to help local groups raise money for community-led projects. Following the success of round one, the council will launch round two in May 2025.
Projects that align with the council’s priorities could receive a pledge from SDC of up to £10,000, up to a maximum of 50% of their target. More information is available on the Stroud Funding website
Two in-person crowdfunding clinics will be held on Thursday, 20 March. Council officers will assist groups in structuring their Stroud Funding project pages and planning their campaigns for the best chance of success, in preparation for the project page completion deadline on 7 May.
Register here:
- Thursday 20th March 10.30am-1.30pm at Under-the-Edge Arts, Wotton-Under-Edge
- Thursday 20th March 5.30pm-7.00pm at the Rest, Kings Stanley
“I’m absolutely delighted that the first round of Stroud Funding has been such a huge success,” said Cllr Martin Brown, Chair of Community Services & Licensing Committee.
“The first projects will positively impact on communities across the district, enhancing people’s lives and bringing people together.”
The council has partnered with Spacehive, a platform dedicated to community fundraising, which has helped launch more than 2,000 community-led projects raise over £30 million to support local ideas across the UK.
Amy Morris raised £37,361 for the Stroud Waters project through Stroud Funding. She said:
“I highly recommend Stroud Funding if you want to expose and showcase a project idea to the community.
“My application to Spacehive for the crowd funder was well supported, and although getting the project validated felt like a lot of work at the time, it meant I had to fully understand what I needed the money for and why – a crucial step in the journey.
“Spacehive linked me to getting media coverage on local radio, TV and national press. This attracted so many companies towards the project who have offered to help and advise at the feasibility stage.
“I feel absolutely thrilled to have reached the fundraising target, am very grateful for this community initiative, and for Stroud District Council pledging £10,000 towards the project.”
Misha Dhanak, CEO of Spacehive said:
“The first round of Stroud Funding has shown the power of community-driven ideas and the response from local residents was fantastic. With the second round now open, anyone with an idea to drive positive local impact should come along to one of the upcoming workshops to get expert support in shaping your fundraising campaign and making positive local change. “
Groups have until 7 May to prepare their projects before starting crowdfunding in mid- May. Those not ready to start in May can join the next round in June, which will commence in September.
Stroud Funding is not a match-funding scheme. Receiving a pledge from Stroud District Council is not guaranteed, and projects that do receive backing from the council may not receive the maximum pledge, as the council needs to ensure its funds are distributed fairly across the district.
