BATCOM (Brimscombe and Thrupp Community Composters) has raised £26,060 from 58 backers, including £4,000 from Stroud District Council (SDC), becoming the first community project to reach its target on the new Stroud Funding platform.
BATCOM, a community benefit society, will use the funds to install six composting bays on an abandoned industrial plot, transforming tonnes of shredded and mixed green garden waste into nutrient-rich compost for its community.
The organisation was among the first to join Stroud Funding, SDC’s crowdfunding platform, and is the first to reach its goal.
“I’m delighted that our first community-funded project has reached its goal,” said Cllr Beki Aldam, Chair of SDC’s Community Services & Licensing Committee.
“BATCOM’s success is an inspiration to other projects and shows the potential for community ideas to thrive. I hope this encourages more organisations with ideas to improve their communities to join the next round of Stroud Funding projects in the new year. Congratulations BATCOM!”
Launched in September, Stroud Funding is a new crowdfunding platform designed to empower community-led projects by raising local funds and access a share of £100,000 from Stroud District Council.
The first round of projects is now live and accepting pledges from £2 to help transform communities across the Stroud district.
Sixteen other Stroud Funding projects are still seeking support, including a library of useful things, a boxing club aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour and knife crime, and a community arts centre that needs a new lighting system.
Each project includes a summary, cost breakdown, photos, and a list of pledges made. There is also a section where people can contribute `stuff or skills’ and leave comments.
Those that align with the council’s priorities - such as addressing environmental issues, climate change, or enhancing community resilience and wellbeing have been offered up to £10,000 from SDC’s £100,000 fund, or up to 50% of their crowdfunding target.
SDC has partnered with Spacehive, a platform dedicated to community fundraising used by local authorities across the UK. Spacehive has helped launch over 2,000 community-led projects and raised over £30 million to support local ideas.
Stroud Funding projects can be viewed and pledges made at https://www.spacehive.com/movement/stroud/projects
The second round of Stroud Funding will take place in Spring 2025.
Sign up for email alerts: https://www.stroud.gov.uk/apps/email-alerts
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