Wigan communities urged to start crowdfunding

By bringing power back to the people, fantastic local projects have mustered up the support required to reach targets with Wigan Council also at the ready to match fund up to £1,000 or 25% of a project.

After relaunching its Crowdfunding platform in the autumn, the council is willing to back innovative projects that help the people of Wigan borough and tackle some of our biggest social problems.

Two recent successful examples have seen a cricket club raise more than £20,000 in a matter of weeks and a group in Standish drum up support to help vulnerable elderly people and others at risk during the pandemic.

Coun Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “It has never been more important for community groups to think outside the box and harness new funding opportunities so their efforts can be maximised and even more people can benefit.

“Crowdfunding is a great way to test the public’s reaction to a project idea you might have. If people are keen to invest it is a good sign that your idea could work well in the community and once you attract enough support then Wigan Council will ensure we support too.

“No idea is too big or too small, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you feel you need a point in the right direction.”

With it estimated that more than 6,000 people use and benefit from Highfield Cricket Club annually, its club chairman Gary Speakman made a rallying call for help last month after feeling the impact of Covid-19.

The club’s crowdfunding appeal was looking to urgently raise funds to progress essential drainage work that would sustain future matches, family fun day events, annual bonfire displays and when hired out for parties.

Gary said: “I recognise drainage isn’t the most sexy of projects, but it’s so fundamental to ensuring the club stays available to the community for many years to come. The funding gives the assurances we need to carry on so we can continue to be a valuable asset for the teams and community.

“I would encourage other groups to utilise the platform, our experience of Crowdfunding is very positive. The platform template is really strong and easy to navigate, you just need an idea to start with.

“There is lots of support out there including from the council - Crowdfunding has made a big difference to us.”

Another group to prosper from the platform this year has been Standish Coronavirus Help who during lockdown created a network of support for vulnerable people.

They managed to raise £3,630 with £1,000 match funding from Wigan Council to buy essential items for anyone isolating or in need at the time.

Paul Ogden, spokesperson for the group, said: “I found Crowdfunding really easy to set up and manage. It’s all digital so you can keep track of everything on your phone and laptop and it allows you to share links on social media with a click of a button.

“The platform meant we could reach people and do things we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do. Not only does it let you achieve financial targets but it helps spread the word within your community so even when people couldn’t send money, they would offer their time instead which can be just as valuable.”

If you feel like you have an idea that could benefit the community but you need a little inspiration to get it off the ground then you can have all your Crowdfunding questions answered during an online information session on Tuesday January 12, 2021. Groups can email [email protected] to book on.

For more details visit https://www.wigan.gov.uk/Council/The-Deal/Deal-Communities/Crowdfunding.aspxThanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers ...