More than £588,000 has been raised for community projects across the Stroud district through a council-backed crowdfunding scheme.
Stroud Funding, run by Stroud District Council in partnership with Spacehive, has helped fund dozens of local projects since it launched in April 2024.
Across its first three rounds, £588,856 has been raised, with 33 projects supported and 30 reaching their crowdfunding targets. More than 3,500 people have backed projects, while the council has pledged more than £142,000 towards schemes.
The programme has supported a wide variety of projects, from youth services and community growing schemes to arts initiatives and support networks.
Projects backed through Stroud Funding include The Subscription Rooms, The Night Angels, Redz – Stroud’s first youth hub, BATCOM Community Composters and the Silvers and Carers Artistic Support Hub.
The scheme has also generated volunteering and training opportunities, with 73 hours of volunteering opportunities created and 200 hours of training provided.
Angela Gillingham, Stroud District Council’s Head of Community Services, said: “Reaching more than half a million pounds in funding is a fantastic achievement and shows the strength, creativity and community spirit that exists across Stroud district.
“Stroud Funding has helped local organisations secure the support they need to deliver projects that benefit residents, tackle local challenges and bring people together.
“We’re proud that council funding has helped unlock even more investment from the community and other backers.”
The Subscription Rooms in Stroud recently reached its fundraising target for a new boiler.
Nadja Singh, Development Manager at The Sub Rooms, said: “It’s really difficult to raise money for something like a boiler – it’s not exactly glamorous.
“But we couldn’t run this venue without it, so we’re really grateful that the community and SDC understood this and supported us to make sure that we can keep our doors open to the public all year round.
“We can’t thank everyone who donated enough.”
Several projects from Round 3 are still fundraising, including repairs to the roof at Severn Area Rescue Association’s Sharpness Lifeboat Station, improved wheelchair access at Stroud Rugby Club, new play equipment for North Nibley Play Area, protection of the River Frome and defibrillators across the district.
Residents can support projects with donations from as little as £2, or offer their time, skills and expertise as volunteers.
Round 4 of Stroud Funding is due to open in the autumn.
Two launch events will be held on 9 and 10 September for community groups interested in applying. The sessions will explain how the programme works, what support is available and how to develop a successful crowdfunding campaign.
The first event will take place at the Museum in the Park on Wednesday, September 9, from 6pm to 7.30pm, followed by an online event on Thursday, September 10, from 6pm to 7pm.
Tom Shakhli, Head of Impact at Spacehive, said the figures demonstrated the power of community crowdfunding.
He said: “More than 3,500 local backers, most of them chipping in small amounts, turned 30 ideas into funded projects.
“Council pledges helped unlock that funding, though the projects succeeded because their communities showed up. That’s crowdfunding doing exactly what it’s meant to.”
