Crowd-funding open to charities

The number of Go Fund Me pages started up by Pilbara residents lately suggests we are a region of crowd-funding fans, so it makes sense Karratha is about to have its first experience with crowd-funding in front of a live audience.

Social entrepreneur agency The Funding Network has been holding live crowd-funding events across Australia since 2014 and is bringing the unique format to Karratha on August 25.

The event will see three carefully selected local not-for-profit groups present project ideas for community social change to an audience of about 150 people, who can pledge donations starting from $100 then and there.

Organisers are now calling for applications from interested Pilbara groups with charitable status or objectives and an annual budget of less than $1 million, with entries closing on June 30.

The Karratha event is being supported by Rio Tinto, the Foundation for Regional & Rural Renewal, the City of Karratha and the Karratha and Districts Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said live crowd-funding was a good arena for airing new ideas about improving the local community.

“We’re very excited to be hosting this event having heard about TFN from others around the country,” he said.

“Supporting local social entrepreneurs aligns perfectly with our strategic focus on community building and social innovation. I’m sure it will be an inspiring experience so please join us.”

Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Andrew Harding said the company was proud to help bring the experience of live crowd-funding to the Pilbara.

“Rio was involved in co-hosting a TFN event last year in Perth, which was a great success and showed how companies, local government and individuals can collaborate to support the best grassroots community projects,” he said.

For more information about live crowd-funding or to apply, go to thefundingnetwork.com.au/events/upcoming-events-list/karratha-2016 or email info@thefundingnetwork.com.au.