Taking time to plan your project before you start crowdfunding will significantly increase your chances of success. Here's what you need to think about:
Develop your idea
Start by getting clear on what you want to do and why:
What challenge or opportunity have you spotted in your area?
Who will benefit from your project?
What exactly will you deliver?
How will it make your local area better?
Test your idea with people who might use it. Their feedback will help you refine your plans and show if there's genuine community interest.
Find and secure your space
If your project needs a physical location:
Explore possible spaces
Walk around your area looking for unused spaces
Talk to local estate agents about temporary 'meanwhile' uses
Contact your council about available land or buildings
Look up who owns spaces using www.landregistry.gov.uk
Check it's suitable
Make a list of what your project needs (size, access, facilities etc.)
Consider practical issues like parking and deliveries
Check if you'll need planning permission
Think about ongoing maintenance
Secure permission
Contact the owner with a clear proposal
Get written agreement or a licence to use the space
Check if you need additional permissions from the council
Consider getting legal advice for formal agreements
Sort out practical requirements
Depending on your project, you might need:
Insurance
Health and safety policies
Licenses for events or activities
DBS checks if working with children or vulnerable adults
Permissions from the council
Research your costs
Get quotes for major items
Include any professional fees
Add contingency for unexpected costs
Keep evidence of all your research
Map out your support
You'll need backing from your community to succeed. Start identifying:
Friends and family who can donate early
Local businesses that might support you
Community groups to partner with
Local media contacts
Potential large funders
Check you're eligible
Make sure your project meets Spacehive's criteria:
Creates something for community benefit
Has a clear end point
Takes place in a shared or public space
Has all necessary permissions in place
Once you've done this groundwork, you're ready to create your project on Spacehive. We'll guide you through each step of setting up your page and preparing for crowdfunding.
Ready to start? Visit www.spacehive.com/create to begin, or read our guide on creating the perfect project page for tips on presenting your idea.