Rossendale Borough Council is encouraging community groups and organisations from across the borough to apply for funding from Crowdfund Lancashire’s summer funding round.  

Crowdfund Lancashire provides an opportunity for local community groups and individuals to create and support the projects that matter most to them.  

The initiative empowers people with the ideas and desire to launch projects but who may not have the money to get them off the ground.

For those with visions of enhancing the cultural or sporting landscape of their communities, the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund offers financial support of up to £15,000 towards their goals.

Past beneficiaries in Rossendale that have received funding for their projects include: music and movement for care homes – The Greater Good Project (£9,932), Cotton Shed Theatre Company (£29,079), Rossendale Badminton league junior coaching (£2,000), Stacksteads Lantern Parade (£6,823) and Waterfoot Wakes (£21,516). 

Jackie Oakes, who is a trustee of Stacksteads Countryside Park Group was part of the group that applied for funding for the Stacksteads Lantern Parade, said: “The crowdfunding available via Crowdfund Lancashire was a great boost for us and helped us organise a successful parade.

"I’d encourage anyone who has an idea that is community based but doesn’t have the money to get it off the ground to take a look and see if they’re eligible.” 

Cllr Liz McInnes, lead member for communities, said: "The council is committed to fostering and helping community driven initiatives and we have such a fantastic array of community groups in Rossendale that I’m sure there’s many that could benefit from this funding.

"It’s a great opportunity for new ones to establish themselves as well. It’s definitely worthwhile seeing if you qualify.”     

To facilitate engagement and support, Crowdfund Lancashire will be hosting an online launch event for the summer round on Wednesday, June 12, at 12pm.

The session will cover the criteria, scope and how to set up a project on Spacehive.

The session will be recorded, so even if you can’t make the live event people are still encouraged to sign up to make sure they receive the recording.

Additionally, one-to-one drop-in sessions will be conducted at libraries and venues across the county for individuals to explore their project ideas further.

There will be a session at Haslingden library on Tuesday, July 9 between 4pm to 6.30pm  

The deadline for project creation and pitching to the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund is September 12.