The London Borough of Havering has launched ‘Havering Together’, a new community crowdfunding programme in partnership with Spacehive.
It will give residents, voluntary groups and community organisations the opportunity to bring local ideas to life.
The scheme will support community led projects that improve neighbourhoods, strengthen communities and deliver positive local impact.
Using Spacehive’s established crowdfunding platform, local groups will be able to raise funds from residents, businesses and other supporters, with the Council providing backing and match funding to help projects succeed.
This has been possible through the use of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) which enables councils to use funds raised from infrastructure and house building to invest back into communities.
There is up to £5,000 available per crowdfunding project.
Crowdfunding allows communities to take the lead in shaping the places where they live, work and spend time.
By combining council investment with community fundraising and external contributions, the programme creates a collaborative funding model that maximises impact and encourages local ownership.
This approach has already been used successfully by councils across the UK and builds on Havering’s previous experience of community crowdfunding, which demonstrated strong resident engagement and value for money.
Interested groups are invited to register for an online workshop to find out more. There are two dates:
The Spacehive platform includes a robust support and due-diligence process, helping groups develop strong project ideas, build local support and deliver projects safely and transparently.
The Deputy Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Gillian Ford, who launched this fund, said:
“This new crowdfunding scheme puts communities at the heart of local decision making.
"It gives residents and groups the opportunity to turn good ideas into real projects that make a difference locally, while making the most of every pound invested.
“We have invested £40,000 from NCIL which will enable us to pump prime additional money from those who wish to support projects which could range from supporting a voluntary group to a community project that otherwise would not get funding.
“Crowdfunding is about more than raising money. It’s about building pride, partnerships and participation.
"By working with Spacehive, we’re creating a simple, transparent way for communities to come together and shape their neighbourhoods.”
Misha Dhanak, CEO, Spacehive added: “Havering has some brilliant, passionate communities and this programme gives them a real platform to act on their ideas, big or small.
"Whether that's improving green spaces, family wellbeing or services for young people, crowdfunding lets local people back what matters to them and make it happen.
"When communities are supported to shape their own places, it builds pride, strengthens connections and creates lasting change.
"We can't wait to see what the people of Havering come up with.”
Community groups will be able to apply to the scheme and receive guidance on developing proposals, fundraising and promoting their projects.
Further details on how to apply, eligibility criteria and funding timelines will be announced shortly.
For more information, visit the Spacehive website or follow the Council’s social media channels for updates.