Our Own James Hall Launches Community Funding Event: Leeds SOUP
Leeds SOUP is a new event which provides micro-grants to local entrepreneurs wanting to help their community. Held at the Adelphi on 27th August, the event is a UK version of the popular US concept; Detroit SOUP.
Detroit SOUP was established back in 2010 and is an award winning community micro-funding scheme. The team behind the event actively encourage the format to be copied across the globe.
Motivation for setting up a Leeds version was partially triggered by recent cuts to the welfare budget and a desire to give something back to the community.
Projects are funded through a quarterly community dinner. People pay up to £20 for soup, bread, and a vote token. Soup and bread is gratefully provided by our sponsor Taste Cuisine, and the entire ticket price goes into a pot. The evening starts with pitches from the community followed by votes from the attendees on the project they like. The winner takes the money collected and support from the community to launch their new endeavour.
Co-founder, and Parallax Director, James Hall says “We’re extremely excited to see which project will win, we’ve already had some amazing project proposals, ranging from helping people with learning disabilities right through to getting fledgling musicians up and running.”
“We’re looking forward to reaching and engaging parts of the community that need it most, and building on the strong sense of community that Leeds already has.”
“Our first meeting is on the 27th of August, 6pm at The Adelphi Hotel. We’re selling tickets fast but there’s still some left if people would like to get involved.”
For more information on the event and how to purchase a ticket, click here.
Also check out the Leeds SOUP website.