Crowdfund Lancashire hits key milestone as 50th project reaches fundraising target
An exciting funding initiative that gives communities in Lancashire a chance to create and support the projects that matter most to them has successfully funded its 50th project.
Launched in December 2022, Crowdfund Lancashire is developed by Lancashire County Council, working in partnership with Spacehive, the UK’s leading community fundraising platform, which helps communities raise funds to improve their local areas.
Through the £500,000 Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund, Crowdfund Lancashire allows the county council to support grassroot projects through crowdfunding.
Organisations can apply for up to £20,000 towards their funding target. Parish and Town Councils can apply for up to £5,000, while individuals and businesses can apply for up to £1,500 towards their live crowdfunding campaigns.
The second window for new applications opened in May and a key milestone has now been reached after a Rivington-based project became the 50th to reach its funding goal.
Family Wellbeing Festival, launched by The Wellbeing Experience, managed to raise £38,043 that will fund a wellbeing event in Rivington, Lancashire.
The project is the just the latest idea to achieve its fundraising goals through Crowdfund Lancashire and Spacehive.
Art on the streets of Preston, which aims to showcase the work of Preston artists, raised £2,964 through their crowdfunding campaign.
Another Preston-based project, the Preston Caribbean Carnival Ltd, successfully raised £11,030 to support the 50th anniversary of Preston Caribbean Carnival in May 2024.
"Crowdfund Lancashire and Spacehive has given local communities a chance to support the projects which matter most to them, and we are so happy to be one of those projects," said Carol Nevins, one of the organisers.
The Art on the streets of Preston successfully reached their fundraising target
Several sports projects have also benefitted from Crowdfund Lancashire.
Rebecca Lyth was able to raise £4,681 to fund the formation of a Junior netball Division in Croston.
Rebecca said: “As a result of Crowdfund Lancashire, we are launching a Junior Division for our netballs club that will allow young girls a chance to build confidence, socialise in a welcoming environment and nurture their mental and physical wellbeing.
"We want to offer opportunities in a field that is extremely limited. Our division will be inclusive of all abilities and will encourage young girls to increase their fitness.
"For more information or to get involved, you can find us on social media by searching Croston Sports Club Junior Netball.”
Crowdfund Lancashire will be accepting new applications until 18th July 2023.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "This funding model puts local people and their ideas firmly in the driving seat.
"We've been really impressed by the array of ideas that have been put forward and are delighted that 50 projects have now been fully funded.
"We're not done yet, so if you have a culture or sport project that needs funding then please get in touch."
Misha Dhanak, CEO Spacehive added: “It’s been inspiring to hear the different ideas that the residents in Lancashire have, and what they’d like to do with their local spaces.
"We’re ready to help turn those ambitions into reality and we’re pleased to continue our work with Lancashire County Council and bring even more community projects to fruition.
"Don’t forget you still have until 18th July to submit your community project proposal.”
To find out more about Crowdfund Lancashire and Spacehive and to see what other projects you can pledge to, visit https://www.spacehive.com/movement/lancashire