Civic crowdfunding takes over the playing field between government and citizens

Citizens, community organisations and entrepreneurs increasingly initiate projects that are geared towards improving their city or neighbourhood. While at the same time the government is cutting budgets and scaling down. As a result, the funding of civic projects is at stake. Through crowdfunding platform Voor je Buurt, Kennisland responds to these developments. As one of the first organisations worldwide we prove crowdfunding of local civic projects to be successful.

Crowdfunding can radically change the relationship between local governments and civic initiatives. The municipality no longer functions as a gatekeeper who decides whether an initiative gets permission and funding, but, instead, citizens take matters into their own hands. Municipalities take up the role of an equal partner who can cooperate to realise an initiative. Local governments increasingly hand over tasks and responsibilities to civil society. Voor je Buurt anticipates on this developmentCrowdfunding can radically change the relationship between local governments and civic initiatives..

Money, volunteers, materials and support

Thanks to Voor je Buurt, initiators can raise funds by use of their entrepreneurial and networking skills. Crowdfunding is not just an online tool to raise money, volunteers and materials, but also a way to build a community around a project. Contributing to a project results in shared ownership of the project, and we notice that financial supporters often stay involved. As such, the process of crowdfunding makes transparent what happens on a local level, whether there is support for new ideas, and what funding sources are possible.

Since Voor je Buurt was launched in 2013, a multitude of projects has been realised in cooperation with the platform. SomeCrowdfunding is not just an online tool to raise money, volunteers and materials, but also a way to build a community around a project. of the most outstanding examples are the organisation of a marathon in Amsterdam, the realisation of a neighbourhood campside, the music festival KanaalPOP in Groningen and the initiation of a bee house. 80% of the crowdfunding campaigns on the Voor je Buurt platform are successfully funded, and an average of 100 supporters contribute to each campaign.

Sharing knowledge and lowering thresholds

A successful crowdfunding campaign requires more skills than just the ability to apply for a fund. Voor je Buurt supports and coaches people in the process of realising their inspiring and creative ideas through crowdfunding. Voor je Buurt also cooperates with local governments and housing associationsVoor je Buurt also cooperates with local governments and housing associations. to lower thresholds for civic initiatives and increase their crowdfunding knowledge.

Voor je Buurt independent in 2015

Kennisland founded Voor je Buurt in 2012 as a pilot project in cooperation with Network Democracy and other partners. The website was launched in 2013 and built up successfully within Kennisland. Since January 1st 2015 Voor je Buurt is an independent organisation. You can contact Voor je Buurt through www.voorjebuurt.nl and info@voorjebuurt.nl.