Swansea Council has launched a new round of funding for ideas that can bring new vibrancy to local communities.
The opportunity is part of Crowdfund Swansea, a scheme that helps deliver innovative community-led ideas to improve the city.
Eligible projects could receive a council pledge of up to £5,000 towards their crowdfunding target.
To be in with a chance of securing the support, local groups should create their projects on crowdfunding platform Spacehive and pitch to the Crowdfund Swansea Fund by Wednesday, September 14.
Those who have succeeded in previous funding rounds have included Gowerton Athletic Club who helped fund local Platinum Jubilee celebrations held this month. Its Crowdfund Swansea fundraising reached almost £7,000, with 114 backers making donations.
The project’s Dean Mason said: “We were delighted with Crowdfund Swansea’s help in helping our community celebrate the jubilee. It’s a great tool to use for other people looking to bring new life and vitality to local areas around Swansea.”
A project still generating community support is run by Gower’s Llanmorlais Community Hall Charity. They aim to make the hall available for future generations and they secured a £5,000 council pledge.
Charity committee member Ceris Jones said: “We’re very grateful for the council’s support. We’re determined to reopen as soon as possible so the 45-year-old hall is viable for many more years to come. It will provide access to groups, will forge relationships and will promote friendships, cohesion, inclusion and diversity.”
Council cabinet member Andrew Stevens said: “We’re ready to support projects that put local people at the heart of the efforts to help Swansea kick on.
“I’m also calling on companies and foundations to join us in offering support to ideas people post on Crowdfund Swansea. This could be in funding or in-kind – anything that can help make projects a real success.
“Companies already supporting in this way include Gower Power Co-op CIC and Coastal Housing Group.
“The more people involved in Crowdfund Swansea the more amazing places we can create together.”
Crowdfund Swansea is run by the council with the UK’s leading civic crowdfunding platform Spacehive. It aims to fund and deliver exciting and innovative ideas from the local community and for the local community.
So far, more than 1,300 residents, businesses and other organisations have joined the council to get behind 32 ideas; more than £236,000 has been raised, boosting projects ranging from beach cleans to e-bike schemes and from harvesting fruit to providing sporting equipment.
Those interested in taking part in the next funding round of Crowdfund Swansea, as a funder or to fund your own project, can email [email protected].
Spacehive plan a free online workshop – from noon on Tuesday July 12 – for anyone interested in learning more.
