Next month sees the return of Mossley SOUP and organisers are appealing for people with new ideas and projects they'd like to get started in 2023.

The 14th Mossley SOUP community crowdfunding dinner will take place on Thursday 23 February. 

Individuals, artists, groups, charities and businesses with a project or idea connected to Mossley are invited to present it at the event.

Mossley SOUP’s mission is to bring people together to make good things happen in the town.

It is based on the Detroit SOUP model of community-based development through crowdfunding, creativity, collaboration, democracy, trust and fun.

Mossley SOUP events bring the community together to promote, fundraise and support new ideas and projects with a Mossley connection.

Project ideas can be about anything - from sports or environmental - to something creative or connected to a business.

Paul Dowthwaite, presenter of the winning project at the ninth Mossley SOUP, said: “First you have a one in four chance of winning a substantial sum of money. That is better odds and easier than most grant applications.

“Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, win or lose, it is a great way of connecting with the community, telling people about your group and getting feedback on your project.”

PRESENTATION: Nic and Ieuan presenting Houston We Have A Poo... blem at SOUP 11. Picture by Postbox Photography Studio. 

At Mossley SOUP events, attendees donate £5 in return for food, entertainment, four short project presentations and a vote.

Each presenter has four minutes to share their idea followed by four questions from the audience. The project presenter to secure the most votes goes home with all of the money raised at the door to carry out their project.

Previous Mossley SOUP dinners have raised winner’s pots of between £545 and £1,720, but all of the projects presented have benefited in some way.

This includes increased public awareness, new volunteers, offers of materials and other financial support.

Thanks to support and sponsorship funds from Premier Kia, all four projects chosen to present at the next Mossley SOUP will be guaranteed to receive £100 towards their project.

Those wanting to present their project at the next Mossley SOUP will need to complete a short project proposal before Thursday 26 January. To submit a proposal online visit http://bit.ly/MossleySOUPapply 

Mossley SOUP is organised by local volunteers with support from Emmaus Mossley, The Vale and a range of local businesses. For more details about the event visit http://bit.ly/MossleySOUP. 

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