Crowdfunding community projects are to be given more support by Dudley Council to reach their goals.

Dudley Council and Spacehive co-ordinate the £480,000 funding pot, which was set up to aid community projects across the borough.

The Crowdfund Dudley Borough platform offers a unique opportunity for local projects to access funding through public pledges and community support.

Projects create a funding page and invite backers to support their project. Once they hit a threshold of community pledges, the council assesses the project’s viability and if approved provides funding. Initially the authority provided a maximum of 60 per cent of the total project amount in funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

But councillors have now approved a decision to increase the amount to 80% of the total project amount for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It is hoped it will encourage more people to come forward with projects and ideas before the end of the financial year.

The Crowdfund Dudley Borough programme has now successfully funded four local community projects who have hit their funding targets.

Councillor Paul Bradley, cabinet member for economic delivery, said: “The council is fully committed to supporting local initiatives and enhancing community-led projects.

“We have made this move in the hope it will make it easier for community organisations to hit their funding targets and unlock the cash they need to make them a reality.

“There are currently fourteen community-led projects crowdfunding through Crowdfund Dudley Borough, with four who have already successfully hit target. These community-led projects exemplify the spirit of community collaboration and creativity that Dudley Council is dedicated to fostering. I encourage more community organisations to take advantage of this opportunity and pitch their ideas for a pledge.”

Crowdfund Dudley Borough has received £200,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and £287,000 from The Dudley Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Dudley Council’s pledge funding will enable these community-driven projects to gain the momentum they need to move forward.

The support from the council demonstrates a strong commitment to nurturing grassroots community projects that address local needs.

Dudley Council encourages more community organisations to bring forward their innovative ideas and projects and register on Crowdfund Dudley Borough. Whether enhancing green and town centre spaces, supporting young people’s ideas and ambitions, helping to reduce inequality, addressing isolation or improving access to the arts, Dudley Council is eager to see more local initiatives thrive.

To register a community project, begin crowdfunding and apply for a pledge from Dudley Council, visit www.spacehive.com/movement/dudley and submit a project proposal. Detailed guidelines and support are available on the Spacehive platform to help with the application process.