Case Study: Kirklees Council’s Growing Great Places crowdfunding programme
Kirklees Council launched the Growing Great Places crowdfunding programme to empower local communities and grow a stronger sense of civic engagement. The initiative, developed in partnership with the crowdfunding platform Spacehive, aims to support citizens and organisations in bringing their innovative ideas to life, thereby enhancing the quality of life in Kirklees. The programme is deeply rooted in the principles established by the Kirklees Democracy Commission, which emphasise citizen involvement, transparency, and collaborative governance.
The Growing Great Places programme was initiated in response to a growing demand from local residents for more opportunities to actively participate in the development of their communities. The council recognised that traditional funding mechanisms were often insufficient to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of its citizens. By leveraging the power of crowdfunding, Kirklees Council has sought to democratise the funding process, making it more accessible and inclusive.
The primary objectives of the Growing Great Places programme are:
- Empowerment: To empower local residents and organisations by providing them with the tools and resources needed to bring their ideas to life
- Community Engagement: To grow a sense of community by encouraging collaboration and collective action.
- Innovation: To support innovative projects that address local challenges and improve the quality of life in Kirklees.
- Sustainability: To promote sustainable development by funding projects that have a long-term positive impact on the community.
The programme operates through a series of funding rounds, held twice a year in the spring and autumn. Local residents and organisations can attend ‘creator workshops’ and submit their project ideas on the Spacehive platform, where they can attract funding from the council, local businesses, and the wider community. The council can pledge to Growing Great Places projects, up to £5,000 for groups and up to £2,500 for individuals and non-constituted community groups.
The Growing Great Places programme is guided by several key principles derived from the Kirklees Democracy Commission:
- Citizen-focused approach: The commission’s mantra, ‘everything starts with the citizen,’ underscores the importance of placing citizens at the heart of local democracy. The crowdfunding programme embodies this principle by enabling residents to take an active role in shaping their communities.
- Transparency and openness: The commission advocates for working in the open to create opportunities for public involvement and to build trust. The crowdfunding platform provides a transparent process where all projects and funding contributions are visible to the public.
- Partnership and Collaboration: A strong local democracy relies on the connections between people and organisations. The programme encourages collaboration between citizens, businesses, and the council, growing a sense of shared responsibility and collective action.
- Evidence-based decision-making: The commission emphasises the importance of basing decisions on evidence. The programme collects data on project outcomes and community impact, which can inform future funding decisions and help to refine the initiative.
- Councillors at the Heart: Councillors play a crucial role in local democracy. They are often actively involved in the programme, supporting and championing projects within their wards, and helping to bridge the gap between the council and the community.
Since its inception in 2019, the Growing Great Places programme has had a significant impact on the Kirklees community. There have been 48 successful projects, ranging from community gardens and public art installations to local festivals and social enterprises. These projects have not only improved the physical environment but also strengthened social ties and grown a sense of pride and ownership among residents. The projects have raised over £550,000, with the council’s pledges totalling £144,000, which, whilst a good return on financial investment, is possibly only a fraction of the benefit the projects themselves have brought to their local places.
The Growing Great Places crowdfunding programme is a commitment to growing a vibrant, inclusive, and participatory local democracy. By aligning the programme with the principles of the Kirklees Democracy Commission, the council has developed a tool for community empowerment and sustainable development.
For more information:
Kirklees Democracy Commission – We’re growing a stronger local democracy
Growing Great Places civic crowdfunding – Kirklees Democracy Commission
