Creative crowdfunding project aims to release new money to local organisations

A brand-new way of helping creative ideas get a step on the ladder is being launched by Grimsby Creates.

Up to £5,000 will be available for creative and heritage projects in North East Lincolnshire.

The Grimsby Creates Crowdfund is your chance as a creative practitioner, arts, community or heritage organisation to access crowd matched funding and additional grant funds of up to £5,000 for your grassroots creative or heritage project.

If your project activity will take place in North East Lincolnshire, you could access your share of a funding pot of £30,000. Funding is available until March 2023.

Over the last few years, Spark Grimsby, which was set up to help creative individuals and organisations light up their business plans, has already helped 120 people with their hopes to use their creative talent and develop business ideas.

This latest initiative provides a crowdfunding platform, where people can submit their ideas, and subject to being selected, receive 1-2-1 coaching and help market the idea, and then launch it via a platform to seek crowdfunding to make the ideas a reality.

But the key thing is that people only need to raise up to 50% of the funds: if they hit their targets, Grimsby Creates (through Arts Council England) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund have a joint pot which will match the funds, up to £5K, raised as part of the commitment to help develop culture, heritage and arts in the town.

On the same platform, other national companies such as Aviva, Sport England and British Cycling are also offering matched funds for other, non-arts projects.

Cllr Tom Furneaux, Cabinet member for culture and heritage, said: “This is an excellent initiative, and one that people can really get behind themselves. I know we’re going through a tough period at the moment, and people will really be looking at what they spend their money on, but this is a great opportunity for local organisations to find out what local people want to support.”

To find out more about the project, and see how you could potentially access funds, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/grimsby-creates.