Council launches crowdfunding scheme to support culture

Lancashire County Council (LCC) will begin a new round of its Crowdfund Lancashire scheme on 12 June, with the aim of supporting grassroots culture and sports projects across the county.

Developed in partnership with fundraising platform Spacehive, the initiative has financed more than 100 projects since launching in 2022.

As part of the scheme, organisations with an idea for a project can get up to £15,000 towards their target from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund while also allowing the public to support them, with contributions starting at £2. 

Parish and town councils can also submit plans to LCC, with up to £5,000 available. Individuals and businesses that want to benefit their community can get £1,500 towards their live crowdfunding campaigns. 

Preston-based artist studio The Birley has raised £28,307 for its ‘Bringing New Art to Preston’ project via the scheme. Rob Mullender-Ross from The Birley said the visibility the organisation had achieved through its programme of exhibitions and events had "provided us with a platform from which we can now credibly fundraise in the future".

 Peter Buckley, Cabinet Member for Community and Cultural Services, said: “Crowdfund Lancashire and the culture and sport projects it supports has already made a significant impact to the lives of people living throughout the county."

The deadline for projects to be created, pitched to the Lancashire Culture and Sports Fund and verified by Spacehive is 12 September 2024. The council is also offering online workshops and in-person sessions for the public to discuss ideas.