Community groups across the Stroud district have secured more than £588,000 for local projects through a council-backed crowdfunding scheme, with another funding round due to open this autumn.
Stroud Funding, run by Stroud District Council in partnership with Spacehive, has supported 33 projects across its first three rounds since launching in April 2024. In total, £588,856 has been raised, and 30 of the projects reached their crowdfunding targets.
More than 3,500 people have backed the schemes, while the council has pledged more than £142,000. The programme has supported projects ranging from youth services and community growing schemes to arts initiatives and support networks.
Projects supported across the district
Among the projects to receive funding are The Subscription Rooms, The Night Angels, Redz – Stroud’s first youth hub, BATCOM Community Composters and the Silvers and Carers Artistic Support Hub.
The scheme has also created opportunities beyond the fundraising itself. According to the figures released by the programme, it has generated 73 hours of volunteering opportunities and provided 200 hours of training.
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 in Stroud recently reached its fundraising target for a new boiler. Nadja Singh, the venue’s Development Manager, said the project showed how crowdfunding could help secure essential work that might otherwise struggle to attract donations.
“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.”
Projects still seeking support
Not every project in the third round has finished fundraising. Current projects include repairs to the roof at Severn Area Rescue Association’s Sharpness Lifeboat Station, improved wheelchair access at Stroud Rugby Club and new play equipment for North Nibley Play Area.
Other projects still seeking support include work to protect the River Frome and the installation of defibrillators across the district.
Residents can support projects by donating from as little as £2. The programme also allows people to offer time, skills and expertise as volunteers.
September launch events announced
Community groups interested in applying to the fourth round will be able to attend one of two launch events on 9 and 10 September. The sessions will explain how Stroud Funding works, what support is available and how groups can develop a successful crowdfunding campaign.
The first event is scheduled for the Museum in the Park on Wednesday, September 9, from 6pm to 7.30pm. An online session will follow on Thursday, September 10, from 6pm to 7pm.
Round 4 is due to open in the autumn. Further details about applications and support will be provided through the launch sessions.
Tom Shakhli, Head of Impact at Spacehive, said: “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.”