'Stroudfunding' to boost community projects in town

Groups are being encouraged to bid for a share of £100,000 to improve their local area through community projects.

Stroud District Council (SDC) has launched a 'Stroudfunding' scheme – a crowdfunding initiative that will finance projects run by local groups such as schools, sports clubs and community organisations.

People can pledge money towards the cost of projects that appeal to them via an online community fundraising platform called Spacehive.

SDC will then choose which projects will receive grants of up to £10,000.

Councillor Beki Aldam said: “Often people have a great idea but don’t know how to get started or access funding.

"Stroudfunding will help them get their projects off the ground with the possibility of a boost from SDC’s fund of £100,000.”

Misha Dhanak, CEO of Spacehive, said the project "marks an exciting step towards fostering grassroots innovation and community-led development".

"We look forward to seeing the diverse and creative projects that will emerge," she added.

Successful Spacehive projects in other areas have included a cookery school where refugees and asylum seekers teach people how to cook and a cafe that offers work experience to people with disabilities.

People can learn more about Stroudfunding at launch events being held on 11 September at Dursley Tabernacle and on the following day at Stroud Brewery.