A new initiative to harness the power of crowdfunding in Manchester has been launched online.
#MakeMCR, is a platform to raise awareness and funds for community projects across the city – which could be anything from creating a new local green space, to a makeover for a local high street, to a special community.
The scheme 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.”
