Projects can be anything from a community garden, to supporting the reduction of food waste – the possibilities are endless. 

We will fund projects which support local, community led initiatives, which: 

Primary Criteria: 

• Improve or create green spaces for the benefit of local communities 

• Reduce food waste and make it easier for everyone to access fresh, local food 

Secondary Criteria:

• Bring people together in new ways  

• Create new green spaces or improve places that matter to you  

• Support people’s wellbeing and mental health - especially outdoors 

• Inspire creativity and opportunity for all – including promoting lifelong learning

• Supporting social enterprise and co-operative development for the good of your local community 

Who can apply for funding?

Charities, constituted community groups and community interest companies (CICs) can potentially recieve a pledge of up to £10-15k or 70-80% total project costs.

Individuals and non-constituted community groups can potentially recieve a pledge of up to £1,000.

Private companies are not eligible for this fund. 

This fund is part of the Combined Authority’s dedication to a Net Zero transition and Mayor Driscoll’s manifesto commitment to work with communities to tackle the climate emergency and food poverty, we want to fund projects that will make a positive impact for local people and the local area. 

Read below to understand how the programme works and how to get involved.

1.    EXPRESSION OF INTEREST/ ATTEND A WORKSHOP

Complete our Expression of Interest Form as soon as possible to inform us of your project idea and knowledge of crowdfunding. A member of the team will be in touch to provide you with information and support. 

2.    PROJECT PAGE AND PITCH

Create your project page on Spacehive which will match you the relevant Crowdfund North of Tyne funds. Follow this handy step-by-step guide when setting up your project. You must pitch to relevant funds by the 22nd of September 2021!

3.    VERIFICATION

The project costs and necessary permissions will be checked and verified. 

4.    CROWDFUNDING

Run your crowdfunding campaign between October and December 2021. Start by getting lots of small pledges from the community to show local support for your project. This will help unlock bigger pledges.

5.    PLEDGE

The Combined Authority will review all project campaigns and successful projects can expect to receive a pledge from the council in early November.

6. HIT YOUR TARGET AND DELIVER YOUR PROJECT

Projects which hit their target early can continue to raise money until their original deadline thorugh 'Overfunding'. Pledges will be collected and transferred to the project normally within 10 working days of the campaign ending.