Individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations are being invited to turn their ideas into reality following the launch of a new crowdfunding initiative by Cornwall Council. 

The Crowdfund Cornwall campaign aims to find additional funds on top of Council funding by crowdsourcing support for small-scale projects that will benefit the community or help grow nature. 

Councillor Edwina Hannaford, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for neighbourhoods said: “We really want to encourage the crowd to back projects they believe will improve their community. It’s a really inclusive and democratic way to get people connected to their local community, to have a say in how Council funds are spent and to be assured that projects deliver value for money.

“The local community group gets the funding it needs, businesses and residents get to support local innovation and ideas, while the local community benefits from valued projects including improvements to the environment. It’s the start of a truly exciting adventure.”

Two types of funding are available – Cornwall Councillor Community Chest funds for community projects, or the Grow Nature Seed Fund for projects which help nature thrive.

Residents or group with a suitable idea could play a part in transforming their local area by receiving a pledge of up to £1,000 from their local councillor from his or her Community Chest fund.

Alongside the Community Chest funds, Cornwall Council and the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have set aside a total of £10,000 for Grow Nature Seed Fund projects. Successful projects can benefit from up to £500 each and have a chance to double their money through crowdfunding.