Member Article

Crowdfunding platform #MakeMCR raises £418k for local projects

A new initiative for a crowdfunding platform called #MakeMCR has already raised £418k for community projects across the city.

The funding platform can be used to raise funds for anything from creating a new local green space, to a makeover for a local high street, to a special community event.

#MakeMCR allows Manchester residents to create a profile and raise funds for their own project - or search for worthwhile local projects that they would like to donate to.

#MakeMCR is a partnership initiative between Manchester City Council, the Lord Mayor’s Charity ‘We Love MCR’ and crowdfunding specialists Spacehive.

It has attracted the support of a growing number of partners, including the global information services firm Experian.

Experian have already backed two successful projects in Manchester, pledging £5,000 towards a project to give Stevenson Square in Manchester city centre a green makeover and £5,000 towards a project to restore the Ancoats Dispensary.

Experian have now pledged to support more Manchester-based projects, with up to £5,000 from its matching fund, in the hope that this will encourage other companies to get involved.

Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, said: “Crowdfunding has the potential to help deliver many inspiring projects for the benefit of communities right across the city.

“From new playgrounds to pop-up skate parks, #MakeMCR enables individuals and organisations to collaboratively back schemes that will make Manchester an even better place to live and work.”

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Murphy OBE said: “#MakeMCR is all about empowering Manchester residents, giving them the platform to realise ideas which have the potential to enhance people’s lives.”

Chief executive and founder of Spacehive, Chris Gourlay, said: “People in Manchester have already used Spacehive to successfully crowdfund £418,000 of projects, with many more exciting ideas now bubbling up across the city.

“The #MakeMCR initiative is all about creating a community of backers that help to make these people-powered projects happen. We’re very excited about its potential.”

People who want to support a project can donate as little as £2 or offer their time.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sophia Taha .