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regeneration and enterprise

Council announces more funding support for community projects

Crowdfunding community projects are to be given more support by Dudley Council to reach their goals.

Dudley Council and Spacehive co-ordinate the £480,000 funding pot, which was set up to aid community projects across the borough.

The Crowdfund Dudley Borough platform offers a unique opportunity for local projects to access funding through public pledges and community support.

Projects create a funding page and invite backers to support their project. Once they hit a threshold of community pledges, the council assesses the project’s viability and if approved provides funding.

Initially the authority provided a maximum of 60 per cent of the total project amount in funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

But councillors have now approved a decision to increase the amount to 80 per cent of the total project amount for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is hoped it will encourage more people to come forward with projects and ideas before the end of the financial year.

The Crowdfund Dudley Borough programme has now successfully funded four local community projects who have hit their funding targets.

Councillor Paul Bradley, cabinet member for economic delivery, said:

“The council is fully committed to supporting local initiatives and enhancing community-led projects.

“We have made this move in the hope it will make it easier for community organisations to hit their funding targets and unlock the cash they need to make them a reality.

“There are currently fourteen community-led projects crowdfunding through Crowdfund Dudley Borough, with four who have already successfully hit target. These community-led projects exemplify the spirit of community collaboration and creativity that Dudley Council is dedicated to fostering. I encourage more community organisations to take advantage of this opportunity and pitch their ideas for a pledge.”

Crowdfund Dudley Borough has received £200,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and £287,000 from The Dudley Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Dudley Council’s pledge funding will enable these community-driven projects to gain the momentum they need to move forward. The support from the council demonstrates a strong commitment to nurturing grassroots community projects that address local needs.

Dudley Council encourages more community organisations to bring forward their innovative ideas and projects and register on Crowdfund Dudley Borough. Whether enhancing green and town centre spaces, supporting young people’s ideas and ambitions, helping to reduce inequality, addressing isolation or improving access to the arts, Dudley Council is eager to see more local initiatives thrive.

To register a community project, begin crowdfunding and apply for a pledge from Dudley Council, visit www.spacehive.com/movement/dudley and submit a project proposal. Detailed guidelines and support are available on the Spacehive platform to help with the application process.

Contact Information

Dudley Council

pressoffice@dudley.gov.uk

Notes to editors

Notes to editors

  • Crowdfund Dudley Borough, provided by Dudley Council in partnership with Spacehive Limited, allows constituted community organisations and groups to put forward community-led projects and attract funding to make the borough more vibrant, resilient and connected. Crowdfund Dudley Borough publicly launched on the 4 June 2024.
  • Crowdfund Dudley Borough social media hashtags #CrowdfundDudleyBorough #UKSPF
  • About Spacehive. The home of community fundraising, Spacehive makes it easy for people to improve their local area. We build technology to help crowdfund local projects that communities want; from spruced up playgrounds and new street markets, to city farms and learning hubs. We 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. We have the highest success rate of any crowdfunding platform in the UK (85% success rate, rising to 94% when a partner pledges). Spacehive helps deliver transformational local ideas that make communities happy, proud and prosperous. For more information visit spacehive.com

Projects currently crowdfunding:

  1. Team Pumpkin ABC is raising funds for a minibus that will allow many children the chance to travel around the country and opportunities they may not have previously been offered. This will help with both their Mental and Physical Health. Giving them chance to see many places and make life long lasting memories and friendships.
  2. Wall Heath in Bloom successfully raised funds for mobile watering equipment to help volunteers water safely and to further improve the area, making the area vibrant and pleasant for all to enjoy.
  3. Halesowen BID successfully raised funds for Halesowen Christmas Lights to help to put Halesowen on the map and stand out from other town centres. Increasing footfall to the town centre, supporting local businesses by boosting the local economy.
  4. The Fine Collective CIC raised funds to provide opportunities for two groups to connect with nature in order to boost both their physical and mental wellbeing but also create a sustained relationship with the natural world.
  5. CReART Collective CIC raised funds to offer free high-quality music education, including piano, guitar, and sound recording lessons. This project is designed to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering their musical talents and promoting cultural diversity.
  6. Riverside House Stourbridge are fundraising for an architect and a team to get a beautiful community Heritage Visitor Centre ready for construction, helping to transform the historic heart of Stourbridge.
  7. The What? Centre counselling service for children, young people and families based in Stourbridge is raising funds to improve the look of the building and make it comfy and warm, and then cool in the summer for those that need to use the service.
  8. Fashion, Talent & Black History CIC are raising funds to deliver history related activities through fashion, dance, drama and music within the local community.
  9. Wollaston Life Skills and Community Hub are fundraising to bring an old building to life providing a range of opportunities to adults with learning disabilities.
  10. Change Grow Live Food Share Van is a project run by a substance misuse registered charity serving the whole of the Dudley Borough. The charity is part of a food share project.
  11. Black Country Multicultural Day is crowdfunding to provide a vibrant, artist-led community celebration of diverse arts and diverse communities, featuring, performance, dance, music, heritage and visual arts.
  12. The Active 50+: Fit for Life project will inspire adults over 50 years old in Dudley to get active through yoga, dance, and light weightlifting. Local sessions encourage well-being, community, and long-term lifestyle changes.
  13. Community Creations - Upcycling Workshops are raising funds to provide creative workshops & artistic interventions to the local community. The project aims to share and increase creative and technical skills, reduce the risk of isolation, particularly for vulnerable citizens, inspire the local community and provide a safe, welcoming environment for the benefit of the community overall.
  14. New Beginnings Garden are crowdfunding to grow connections between nature, creativity and communities in Dudley by renovating the outdoor space at Creart Community Centre.