North of Tyne residents, grassroots groups and community organisations working to improve their local communities can today apply for a share of £500,000 to help turn their bright idea into reality.
The funding comes as part of Crowdfund North of Tyne, a small grants scheme run by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) – headed by elected Metro Mayor Jamie Driscoll – and crowdfunding partner, Spacehive. The average grant is around £5,000.
Charities, constituted community groups, and community interest companies can potentially receive assistance with up to 75% of their total project costs. Individuals working outside of these groups can apply for up to £1,000.
Local people and organisations that successfully pitch their initiative to NTCA must then crowdfund part of their costs to demonstrate public support for their project. Ideas are then judged on the number of community backers – and not the amount of money raised.
NTCA and our crowdfunding partners Spacehive are available to fully support groups throughout this straightforward, online process.
David King was awarded £1,000 for planters and seating on Chillingham Road. He said: “For us, the biggest benefit has been the encouragement and advice. Affecting local change is daunting. Having an idea is one thing but where do you even start?”
Projects that make it through to the final stage receive a pledge, from the NTCA, to help them achieve their fundraising target.
We are particularly interested in funding activity that supports a fairer, greener , and more inclusive future. This might include addressing some of the priorities set out in the North of Tyne Wellbeing Framework.
Since launching in 2020, during the pandemic, the NTCA has awarded more than £200,000 to 33 community projects. These include:
- Coquetdale Repair Café – invites local people from Rothbury to bring in any valued broken possessions and staff will fix it, over a cuppa and cake.
- Recyke y’Bike – a Byker-based charity specialising in refurbishing donated bicycles, saving thousands from landfill.
- Sensory on the North Sea – enabling disabled children and kids with life-limiting conditions to skipper a Catamaran for the day on the North Sea.
Commenting on the opening of the latest funding round, elected Metro Mayor Jamie Driscoll, said: “I am looking forward to seeing more great ideas that people have for improving their communities.
“Local people are best placed to understand the challenges and opportunities in their local area and Crowdfund North of Tyne puts them and their ideas in the driving seat.
“I want businesses and organisations that care about the region to join us in offering support to project ideas, whether funding or in-kind contributions, so we can turbocharge the success of locally-led campaigns.”
Investment from the Crowdfund North of Tyne’s Main Fund is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Got a bright idea? Click here to register for our launch event on Wednesday 19 July. Alternatively, get in touch with Spacehive via support@spacehive.com.