A crowdfunding initiative for community groups and organisations in the Square Mile has been launched by the City of London Corporation.

The ‘Our City’ crowdfunding platform encourages ideas that will benefit people who live, work or visit the Square Mile.

The City of London Corporation has again teamed up with Spacehive, a crowdfunding platform that aims to make it as easy as possible for people to bring their community together by having access to funding.

The City of London Corporation has a £30,000 fund and will make a maximum pledge of £5,000 to support crowdfunded projects in the Square Mile.

The initiative is an expansion of last year’s successful pilot in the Aldgate area which saw four projects launched with the help of local residents, businesses and organisations.

The current funding round is open until May 13 for a variety of projects, from things that will enhance the physical appearance of the area, to arts, cultural, sporting or learning activities.

Spacehive will be running workshops to help groups to develop their projects and to get started.

Randall Anderson, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, said:

“Since Roman times, the Square Mile has been a multicultural hub of enterprise, innovation and creativity.

“Now through the 'Our City' crowdfunding programme, residents, workers and all the people of the City can continue this legacy in a whole new way.

“This year, as we expand the programme City wide, we are really excited to see what amazing ideas and projects come to life.

“By helping the City community to collaborate on creative projects, we can ensure we have a place which everyone loves - whether they live, work, study, worship or play here.”

Chris Gourley, CEO of Spacehive said:

“We are very excited to be part of the launch of ‘Our City’. This builds on the work we have already done in Aldgate and in neighbouring boroughs where local residents, businesses and organisations have come together to help fund amazing projects.”

Crowdfunding workshops will be held on 20 March at Golden Lane Community Centre, where people can find out more about the programme, how to get involved and advice on how to run a successful campaign.

To sign up to the workshop and to get more information on the upcoming funding round and how you can get involved, click here.

Through the crowdfunding scheme the City of London Corporation will be able to empower projects, groups and individuals to create something for everyone in the Square Mile.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk