Mossley SOUP – community crowdfunding events powered by soup

THE CONTEXT OF YOUR INITIATIVE

Mossley is a former mill-town on the outskirts of Greater Manchester. As well as a rich heritage, the town has an active voluntary-sector. There are many voluntary groups engaged with young people, elderly residents, the environment, sport, art and community events.

Back in 2016, after some initial discussions, it was clear that some of these groups were thriving whilst others struggled to attract funding, volunteers or expertise to enable their work to continue and grow.

Mossley SOUP was launched in January 2017 with the aim of hosting a series of events to promote, fundraise and support local projects that benefit the people of Mossley. The concept was based on the Detroit SOUP model of community-based development through crowdfunding, creativity, collaboration, democracy, trust and fun.

THE ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AS PART OF YOUR INITIATIVE

Mossley SOUP aims to promote, fundraise and support local projects that benefit the people of Mossley. Through SOUP events, open to anyone, attendees make a £5 donation and receive soup, bread, hear four presentations and then vote on the project they think benefits Mossley the most.

Each presenter has four minutes to share their idea and answer four questions from the audience. At the event, attendees eat, enjoy a local artist or band, learn about local projects, talk, share ideas and vote for their favourite project.

At the end of the night, the votes are counted and the winner goes home with all of the money raised to carry out their project. Winners come back to a future Mossley SOUP event to report on their project’s progress.

WHO IS INVOLVED FROM OUR GROUP?

The Mossley SOUP organising group is made up of 10 volunteers from the local area. Three of these members are part of the Emmaus Mossley community (1 companion and 2 staff members).

Each Mossley SOUP event is supported by a wider volunteer team. Typically, between 10 and 15 Emmaus Mossley community members volunteer their time. Between 5 and 10 other people volunteer at each event, for example musicians, soup makers and cake makers.

All Mossley SOUP events have people from 4 local groups presenting. Each event also attracts between 115 and 220 attendees who make a donation on the door and vote for their preferred project.

WHICH PARTNERS ARE YOU WORKING WITH ON THIS INITIATIVE?

FUTURE PROSPECTS

As of April 2020, ten Mossley SOUP events have been organised, raising more than £10,000 for local projects. As well as raising money for the winning project, each event brings people together to chat, learn and make connections. Other projects that have been presented at Mossley SOUP but have not secured the most votes, typically benefit through increased awareness, new volunteers and even one-off donations from individuals.

Here is a list of the winners from each event and the amounts raised.
Mossley SOUP #1 – Mossley Horticultural Show – £670
Mossley SOUP #2 – Save Our Community Spaces (SOCS) – £545
Mossley SOUP #3 – Tots R Us Playgroup – £639
Mossley SOUP #4 – Mossley Town Team Stewards – £824
Mossley SOUP #5 – Mossley Social Club for Disabled Adults – £930
Mossley SOUP #6 – Mossley Skatepark Development – £1,216
Mossley SOUP #7 – Micklehurst Cricket Club Junior Section – £1,726
Mossley SOUP #8 – Micklehurst Estate Residents Association – £1,229
Mossley SOUP #9 – Town Centre Plantings – £1,346
Mossley SOUP #10 – Mini Meditators AN – £1,346

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANY INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INITIATIVE?

WHAT ARE YOUR PROSPECTS?

The current model for Mossley SOUP is sustainable and requires no additional needs. The organising group is looking at different ways to engage people and projects within the town, and the expand the support that SOUP can offer.

Mossley SOUP is always open to new partner organisations getting involved to support each event.