More than £588,000 raised for community projects across Stroud district

Community groups across Stroud district are celebrating a major milestone after more than £588,000 was raised through the first three rounds of Stroud Funding, Stroud District Council’s community crowdfunding platform.

Since launching in April 2024, the programme has helped local people turn ideas into reality, by financing a wide range of projects that make a difference to communities across the district. From youth services and community growing projects to arts initiatives and support networks, Stroud Funding has shown what can be achieved when residents, businesses, organisations and the council work together.

Across the first three rounds:

• £588,856 has been raised for community projects
• 33 projects were supported, with 30 reaching their crowdfunding targets
• The programme achieved a 97% success rate
• More than 3,500 local backers supported projects
• Over £142,000 has been pledged by Stroud District Council, helping to unlock significant additional funding from the wider community
• Projects also attracted offers of volunteer support, creating 73 hours of volunteering opportunities and 200 hours of training provided.

Projects supported through Stroud Funding have included The Subscription Rooms, The Night Angels, Redz - Stroud's first youth hub, BATCOM Community Composters, and the Silvers and Carers Artistic Support Hub, demonstrating the wide variety of ideas being brought to life across the district.

Angela Gillingham, Stroud District Council’s Head of Community Services said:

"Reaching more than half a million pounds in funding is a fantastic achievement and shows the strength, creativity and community spirit that exists across Stroud district.

"Stroud Funding has helped local organisations secure the support they need to deliver projects that benefit residents, tackle local challenges and bring people together. We're proud that council funding has helped unlock even more investment from the community and other backers."

The Subscription Rooms has recently hit its Stroud Funding Boiler Appeal target. Nadja Singh, The Sub Rooms’ Development Manager said:

“It’s really difficult to raise money for something like a boiler - it’s not exactly glamorous. But we couldn’t run this venue without it, so we’re really grateful that the community and SDC understood this and supported us to make sure that we can keep our doors open to the public all year round. We can’t thank everyone who donated enough.”

Tom Shakhli, Head of Impact at Spacehive said:

 "What I like about these numbers is how many people are in them. More than 3,500 local backers, most of them chipping in small amounts, turned 30 ideas into funded projects. Council pledges helped unlock that funding, though the projects succeeded because their communities showed up. That's crowdfunding doing exactly what it's meant to."

While most projects have successfully reached their targets, there is still time to support several projects from Round 3 that are continuing to raise funds including repairing the roof at Severn Area Rescue Association’s Sharpness Lifeboat station, improving wheelchair access at Stroud Rugby Club, funding play equipment for North Nibley Play Area, protecting the River Frome, and funding defibrillators across the district.

Residents can make a difference by pledging from as little as £2, or by offering their time, skills and expertise as a volunteer.

Angela added:

"Every contribution helps. Whether it's a small donation or a few hours of your time, community backing can make the difference between a good idea and a successful project."

Applications for Round 4 of Stroud Funding will open in the autumn, giving even more community groups the opportunity to secure funding for local projects.

Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to attend one of two launch events taking place on 9 and 10 September, where potential applicants can learn how the programme works, what support is available and how to develop a successful crowdfunding campaign.

•    Wed 9 September, 6 – 7.30pm at the Museum in the Park
•    Thursday 10 September, 6 – 7pm online

To support current projects, or to register for a Round 4 launch event, visit Stroud Funding - Home - Spacehive

Read the full Stroud Funding impact report here: Impacts - Spacehive