Crowdfund Norfolk platform to attract donations for environmental projects

Grassroots and community-focused projects that aim to improve the environment will be supported through a donation-funding platform launched by Norfolk County Council in collaboration with Crowdfunder. 

Projects that match the criteria can seek donations from the community to reach their budget and will be eligible for 50% funding up to a maximum value of £10,000. 

Crowdfunder has over £10 million available via +Extra funding which is an easy way to raise extra money for a project by getting grants from corporate or public sector organisations, foundations, or trust funds. It will pledge to top up your fundraising total with extra money or may agree to donate a certain amount for every £1 you raise. 

The innovative initiative was launched today (Tues 1 Oct) at the Norfolk Market Towns Conference in Swaffham which explored ways in which footfall can be increased across the county's 22 market towns. 

Cllr Fabian Eagle, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth said: "We are really excited about this new and innovative funding platform that will get funding to projects to communities that are truly backed by the residents and make a real change from grassroots up. 

"By harnessing the power of community support, we're helping environmental projects secure the funding needed to bring their ideas to life and create a positive environmental impact across Norfolk." 

Schemes could include converting public greenspace to wildlife habitat, coastal and marine projects, solar systems to cut the running costs of community assets and using sustainable techniques to reduce carbon emissions from new-build community buildings. 

To be eligible to apply, organisations must be a registered charity, CIC or social enterprise, an organisation on the FCA Mutuals register, a constituted community group or volunteer organisation.  

Individuals, sole traders, for-profit businesses, and organisations set up as trusts, including charitable trusts, cannot apply. 

For more information on how to apply and how to crowdfund, please visit Crowdfunder.co.uk.