An exciting new crowdfunding opportunity has been launched to help community and voluntary groups raise money for projects in their area.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council has joined with Kent County Council and digital fundraising platform Spacehive for Crowdfund Kent, which will enable community-led ideas to become more vibrant, resilient and connected post-COVID-19.
Along with pledges from local people, businesses and the wider community, F&HDC has committed £30,000 to support local crowdfunding campaigns (up to £5,000 per campaign).
This is in addition to any funds KCC may pledge from the £500,000 it has committed to support campaigns across the whole county over two years. From this, campaigns can receive up to £20,000 (up to 50% of the campaign target). The combined F&HDC and KCC contributions cannot exceed 65% of the total campaign target. The rest must be made up of pledges from the community.
As well as contributing to the community, eligible projects should improve wellbeing and in particular, support people who have been especially impacted by the pandemic. This includes ethnic minority groups, those living in poverty, victims of domestic abuse, people with mental health issues, vulnerable children, carers, people with learning disabilities, care home residents and older people.
A free workshop is being held on Tuesday 8 March for anyone interested in crowdfunding for their project, with registration here: https://www.spacehive.com/movement/crowdfund-kent/news.
The deadline for getting involved is Wednesday 20 April.
Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "We are delighted to be working with Kent County Council and Spacehive on Crowdfund Kent. We know of the incredible work that has been happening in our local communities - especially over the last couple of years - and we encourage people to take part in this scheme.
"We look forward to seeing new ideas that groups and organisations put forward."
For a full overview of the process and the criteria of the funding, visit https://www.spacehive.com/movement/crowdfund-kent/about
For questions and help, email support@spacehive.com or crowdfundkent@kent.gov.uk
Date published: 23 February 2022