Crowdfunder match-funding – call for proposals
Following on from the success of Bute Community Forest’s Crowdfunding campaign that HIEF match-funded (see here), we are delighted to offer two similar opportunities for community-led projects in 2025.
Successful applicants will receive a grant (of up to £10,000) from HIEF to be used as matched-funding in a Crowdfunding campaign, on the Crowdfunder platform, in early 2025.
Crowdfunding campaigns have the potential to be hugely impactful in raising not only funds, but also awareness, for your project and/or organisation. These campaigns are most successful when they offer match-funding to encourage people to donate by boosting the value of their donation at no additional cost to themselves.
HIEF ran a pilot matched-fund crowdfunding campaign with Bute Forest in September 2024, successfully raising £30,000 for the retention of their Forest Ranger. From the £30,000 raised, £10,000 came from HIEF, £10,000 came from the Aviva Community Fund and Employee Giving, and £10,000 came from individuals and businesses both locally and further afield.
Criteria
Crowdfunding projects must still match the two primary objectives for HIEF grants:
- There must be clear, identifiable environmental benefit(s) &
- The project must be either community-led or evidence full support from the local community.
Priority will be given to smaller organisations (ie. with annual unrestricted income of up to £50,000 per year average over the last two financial years), whether they have received a grant from HIEF before or not.
The HIEF funding will be provided as matched funding for the campaign but is otherwise unrestricted & it is anticipated that it will be used to support core costs.
You must submit your concept note by 9am, Monday 18th November, using the below form.