£220K boost to Westhive community crowdfunding pot

Westhive community crowdfunding has received a significant boost with the addition of £220,000 funding, earmarked for community-run projects that will improve local facilities and help support communities.

Councillor Joy Aitman, Executive Member for Communities said, “Community facilities play such a crucial role in rural life and we hope this funding will support communities with their aspirations to create amazing community spaces.

“To be eligible for this fund, we are particularly looking for projects such as the remodelling of a community building to create a village shop, upgrading a kitchen in a village hall to allow it to operate as a community cafe, or soundproofing a meeting room so it can also be used by young people for band practice.

“We're already seeing some of your wonderful ideas launching on the platform thanks to the fantastic turn out at our creator workshop a fortnight ago, and in time, we anticipate that it will be brimming with many more worthy projects, in need of the support of us and the entire community.”

The Community Infrastructure Fund has been introduced specifically to revitalise and grow local infrastructure as part of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund Levelling Up scheme. With a generous budget of £40,000 this financial year - £220,000 in total over two years - this fund will back projects that align with the Council's core values and create a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of people in the district.

Eligible projects could see pledges of up to £20,000 from the Council, or up to 50% of their crowdfunding targets. In line with the Council Plan, the Council will be encouraging submissions of projects that champion environmental sustainability, support those who are most vulnerable in our communities, and those that face exclusion, whether due to mental health, physical or mental disability, or financial hardship. There will also be a focus on projects brought forward by or designed to meet the needs of young people, as part of the Council’s commitment to empowering young voices.

Westhive community crowdfunding has got off to a promising start as 49 community groups began brainstorming their early ideas at the first creator workshop, hosted by Spacehive, on Monday 16 October. The session gave local residents, groups, and organisations the opportunity to discuss their project ideas with Spacehive’s team of specialists, and explore campaigning methods.

For more information on the Community Infrastructure Fund or to see if your project could be eligible, please visit the Westhive platform at, https://www.spacehive.com/movement/westhive/supporters