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Community groups across Stroud district are celebrating a major milestone after more than £588,000 was raised through the first three rounds of Stroud Funding, Stroud District Council’s community crowdfunding platform.
Since launching in April 2024, the programme has helped local people turn ideas into reality, by financing a wide range of projects that make a difference to communities across the district. From youth services and community growing projects to arts initiatives and support networks, Stroud Funding has shown what can be achieved when residents, businesses, organisations and the council work together.
Across the first three rounds:
Projects supported through Stroud Funding have included The Subscription Rooms, The Night Angels, Redz - Stroud's first youth hub, BATCOM Community Composters, and the Silvers and Carers Artistic Support Hub, demonstrating the wide variety of ideas being brought to life across the district.
Angela Gillingham, Stroud District Council’s Head of Community Services said:
"Reaching more than half a million pounds in funding is a fantastic achievement and shows the strength, creativity and community spirit that exists across Stroud district.
"Stroud Funding has helped local organisations secure the support they need to deliver projects that benefit residents, tackle local challenges and bring people together. We're proud that council funding has helped unlock even more investment from the community and other backers."
The Subscription Rooms has recently hit its Stroud Funding Boiler Appeal target. Nadja Singh, The Sub Rooms’ Development Manager said:
“It’s really difficult to raise money for something like a boiler - it’s not exactly glamorous. But we couldn’t run this venue without it, so we’re really grateful that the community and SDC understood this and supported us to make sure that we can keep our doors open to the public all year round. We can’t thank everyone who donated enough.”
Tom Shakhli, Head of Impact at Spacehive said:
"What I like about these numbers is how many people are in them. More than 3,500 local backers, most of them chipping in small amounts, turned 30 ideas into funded projects. Council pledges helped unlock that funding, though the projects succeeded because their communities showed up. That's crowdfunding doing exactly what it's meant to."
While most projects have successfully reached their targets, there is still time to support several projects from Round 3 that are continuing to raise funds including repairing the roof at Severn Area Rescue Association’s Sharpness Lifeboat station, improving wheelchair access at Stroud Rugby Club, funding play equipment for North Nibley Play Area, protecting the River Frome, and funding defibrillators across the district.
Residents can make a difference by pledging from as little as £2, or by offering their time, skills and expertise as a volunteer.
Angela added:
"Every contribution helps. Whether it's a small donation or a few hours of your time, community backing can make the difference between a good idea and a successful project."
Applications for Round 4 of Stroud Funding will open in the autumn, giving even more community groups the opportunity to secure funding for local projects.
Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to attend one of two launch events taking place on 9 and 10 September, where potential applicants can learn how the programme works, what support is available and how to develop a successful crowdfunding campaign.
To support current projects, or to register for a Round 4 launch event, visit Stroud Funding - Home - Spacehive
Read the full Stroud Funding impact report here: Impacts - Spacehive
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August is packed with opportunities to get out and enjoy everything our district has to offer, with lots of free and low-cost events taking place throughout the summer. If you're looking for inspiration, take a look at the news page on our website, where you'll find activities for all ages across the district.
There is also exciting news for swimmers, with the Stratford Park lido reopening on Saturday 15 August. The much-loved outdoor pool is ready to welcome visitors back, and sessions can be booked online through the Active Lifestyles website. Families can also enjoy free activities at Stratford Park every Friday throughout August from 10am to 4pm. The Big Summer Picnics and Play in the Park events include sports, games, crafts, museum activities, live entertainment and plenty of family-friendly fun. Overflow parking will be available at the college next to the park and at Stratford Road Tesco when the main car parks are full.
While making the most of the outdoors, please take extra care during the current dry weather. We have received continued reports of fires in public places, including at Selsley Common and Standish Wood. Even a small fire can quickly spread and cause significant damage to wildlife and habitats. Please leave barbecues and campfires at home and bring a picnic instead.
There are also a couple of important recycling updates. Household Waste and Recycling Centres are currently unable to accept fridges, freezers and other cooling appliances due to a national processing issue. At present, our bulky waste service can still collect these items, and we will keep residents updated if the situation changes.
Finally, Hempsted Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Gloucester will close from 13 August for essential repairs and is expected to reopen in mid-November. This may increase demand at other sites, so please remember to book your visit in plenty of time.
If you'd like to keep up to date with council news, events, service updates and other local information, why not sign up for our weekly email bulletin? It lands in subscribers' inboxes every Friday and is a simple way to stay informed about what's happening across the district. Sign up here.
