Crowdfund Kent gives local organisations and groups the opportunity to raise money for projects improving the lives of local people and community groups.
People are being invited to hear more at an online workshop on Tuesday, 28 February at 3pm.
It will explain how the funding works and give advice on creating projects and how to run a crowdfunding campaign.
This year, NHS Kent and Medway is joining Kent County Council (KCC) with a £400,000 funding pot that can help projects reach their fundraising target. Folkestone and Hythe District Council is also a partner, for projects in its area.
Crowdfund Kent launched two years ago to help community groups recover from Covid. So far, the initiative has meant backing for more than 60 successful projects and released more than £1millionfor communities in Kent.
Projects that have already been funded include:
- Swale autism advisory support service
- Canterbury domestic abuse group crèche
- Sunrise café in Dover for people who are struggling financially to have an affordable meal out and get support and advice launching a preloved baby clothing bank in Thanet.
The fund has been refreshed to reflect current challenges and priorities – financial hardship, particularly in disadvantaged areas, health and wellbeing and also challenges in rural areas, such as social isolation and access to support.
To be eligible, the project must benefit the wider community and the organisation must be a registered charity, constituted community group or community interest company.
Cedi Frederick, Chair of NHS Kent and Medway said: “NHS Kent and Medway knows how important community groups are in helping people live healthier and happier lives, which is why we are so pleased to join KCC in supporting Crowdfund Kent.
“If people are going to lead healthier and happier lives, they need to be connected to healthier and happier communities.
“Community organisations set up by and for local people are key to that – they provide opportunities to get involved with projects that really benefit the community.
“If you are interested in creating a project and being part of Crowdfund Kent then join crowdfunding experts Spacehive at this free workshop, to find out all you need know.
“Whether your project is big or small, this is your opportunity to learn how you can make a real difference in your local area through Crowdfund Kent.”
Roger Gough, Leader of Kent County Council, said: “It has been hugely inspiring to see the raft of innovative projects come forward for support from Crowdfund Kent during the past few years, getting off the ground with the backing of their communities to make a meaningful difference at an uber-local level.
“With our partners and colleagues at NHS Kent and Medway, we have refocused to encourage initiatives which will help tackle the impacts of the cost of living crisis, improve health and wellbeing and address social exclusion.
“Please bring your ideas to the free workshop on 28 February and see how you might galvanise your community and bring your brainchild to life.”
Crowdfund Kent is hosted by Spacehive; the most successful crowdfunding platform in the UK. This means anyone, or any organisation, can donate to the projects to help them reach their goal. Involving Medway and Swale has also just opened a round of grants. Funded by NHS Kent and Medway, grants are available to those interested in supporting healthier communities and encouraging participation in community activities in Medway, Sheppey and Sittingbourne. More information on how to apply: Involving Medway and Swale Community Grants Programme.
- Crowdfund Kent website (hosted by Spacehive): CrowdFund Kent – Home (spacehive.com)
- Full details of all projects featured here: Discover Projects in the CrowdFund Kent (spacehive.com)
- Eventbrite link for event: Crowdfund Kent Relaunch Event
- KCC pages: Crowdfund Kent – Kent County Council