Taking the Lead in top funding bid

A pioneering new fundraising concept is to be launched by Ayrshire LEADER’s Local Action Group ( LAG).

The # Crowdfund Rural Ayrshire will see the LAG partner with Crowdfunder to provide a dedicated online platform for local groups, organisations and businesses based in rural Ayrshire to help them raise money, awareness and support using the power of the crowd.

In addition, the LAG may also make financial pledges to projects of up to a maximum of £ 5000, where they meet the programme criteria and have raised half of their online crowdfunding target.

A similar scheme run by Plymouth City Council placed £ 90,000 of funding into crowdfunded projects.

In total these have raised more than £ 500,000 across the city via the partnership.

Chris Savage, chair of the Ayrshire LAG, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with the committed team at Crowdfunder and to be at the forefront of ground- breaking rural development in the UK.”

Claire Monaghan, head of communities at South Ayrshire Council, added: “As Accountable Body for the LEADER Programme, the council is delighted to be working with the Ayrshire Local Action Group as it innovates in rural Ayrshire.

“We are excited about our communities sharing the social and economic benefits of # Crowdfund Rural Ayrshire as this initiative takes off.”

For more information about # Crowdfund Rural Ayrshire, contact the LEADER team on 01292 616655 or visit http:// www. crowdfunder. co. uk/ ayrshire- leader