Social enterprises in Bucks are being offered the opportunity to win a share of £10,000 as part of a new crowdfunding competition.

The competition aims to help either established social enterprises in the county or people who are planning to set one up, raise valuable funds to support them in their work.

This could be an individual or a group who gives or intends to give at least 50% of its profits, proceeds or surplus to further its mission.

This could be anything from a charity rehoming cats, a university sports club wanting new equipment or an individual organising a music festival that employs jobless young people.

The scheme has been launched by The Clare Foundation, in partnership with Bucks New University (BNU) and Crowdfunder, the UK’s largest crowdfunding platform.

The social enterprises will launch their crowdfunding campaigns on Crowdfunder and those with the most pledges - five of which will be projects by Bucks New University students or alumni - will make it to the top ten and receive a share of the £10,000 match-funded prize money from The Clare Foundation and BNU.

Speaking about the crowdfunding competition, Martin Thornton, Partnerships Manager of The Clare Foundation, said: “Our main aim is to help people who want to give back to their communities which is why we have partnered with Crowdfunder and BNU to help them raise the much needed funds necessary to bring their ideas to life.

“This is a great opportunity to raise funds but also spread the word about your cause.”

The crowdfunding competition will run between November 1 and December 14 and has a fundraising target of £50,000 to help existing and new social enterprises grow.

Visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/crowdfund-buckinghamshire/bucks-social-enterprise-competition/ to find out more information.