Cheshire East approves crowdfunding policy

Cheshire East has approved a new crowdfunding policy, allowing the council to support local residents to come together to consider local projects that tackle local needs.

The crowdfunding policy was approved by cabinet on 10 November and will provide a digital platform inviting project proposals which require funding. The platform will focus on locally based community and environmental projects within the borough, raising their profile among local and national funders while attracting support and funding from local businesses and residents. 

The digital platform will also provide support to the voluntary, community and faith sector – where increased project funding is expected – promoting their projects and enabling recruitment of new volunteers. 

Each proposed project will be supported to ensure it can achieve its aims safely and within budget, meaning local residents and less established community groups can apply with confidence. 

Councillor Mick Warren, cabinet member with responsibility for communities, said: “I’m delighted that this crowdfunding policy has been approved.

“Crowdfunding can often be used to unite local communities in tackling key issues within their neighbourhoods, and it’s our commitment to ensure that can be done with our support.

“Enabling community groups to add their projects to this central platform will provide local projects with exposure and the ability to raise funds and other assistance they would not otherwise have had. 

“Our research estimates that for every £1 the council invests into community projects through crowdfunding, it will result in an additional £3, really helping to benefit those local schemes that our residents would love to see support with.”

The crowdfunding policy can be viewed as part of the cabinet agenda at cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_and_democracy.aspx