On Wednesday, Crowdfunder UK announced the Santander Changemaker Fund has given Goldfinger Factory £10,000. Goldfinger described as an award-winning factory that turns wasted wood into beautiful furniture, jewellery and interior products.
Crowdfunder UK revealed earlier this month it teamed up with Santander for the fund, which is dedicated to social enterprise and community projects across the UK. The fund is open to social enterprises, small charities, and community groups that are assisting disadvantaged people in the UK. Those eligible projects that are seeking up to £20,000 and are focused on skills, knowledge, and innovation must get the crowd’s backing to receive 50% of their funding requirements from Santander. The companies noted that the fund is part of Santander’s flagship community program, The Discovery Project. This project aims to inspire people to have confidence in the future through projects that build skills, grow knowledge and support innovation.
MD of Crowdfunder, Phil Geraghty, previously stated:
“The new partnership between Crowdfunder and Santander is a key milestone for the crowdfunding industry – opening up powerful networks and opportunities between the banking sector and the next generation of ’changemakers’. It also offers long term economic impacts by supporting social enterprises alongside the immediate benefits of helping people make their great ideas happen.”
Sharing details about Goldfinger’s recent acquired funds, Crowdfunder UK explained:
“With a crowd of more than 100 supporters and £10,000 pledged from Santander, Ollie and Marie have smashed their target of £20,000 and are now well on their way to building a vocational school in Fulham and a future Factory in Ladbroke Grove. Both of which will benefit disadvantaged people in the area and support local craftsmen and women. In return for support, [founders] Ollie and Marie have been rewarding the crowd with a range of beautiful, bespoke rewards designed by Tom Dixon OBE.”
Sue Douthwaite, Managing Director of Santander Business, added:
“Our purpose is to help people and businesses prosper. We recognise the important role social enterprises and charities play in helping communities to thrive.”