As part of the BAUHAUS4MED initiative, a project inspired by the New European Bauhaus and rooted in the Mediterranean’s unique social, cultural, and environmental context, Civic Crowdfunding emerges as a powerful tool for inclusive, community-driven transformation. This thematic area supports grassroots innovation, enabling citizens, local authorities, creatives, and entrepreneurs to co-finance and co-create sustainable urban and rural regeneration projects.
What Is Civic Crowdfunding?
Civic crowdfunding is a participatory financing method where communities raise funds for projects that deliver public benefit. More than a funding model, it is a democratic process that fosters civic engagement, transparency, and trust. Citizens become co-authors of the urban narrative, not just passive beneficiaries.
Why It Matters in the Mediterranean Context
The Mediterranean region faces unique challenges, climate change, demographic shifts, economic disparities, and rapid urbanisation, requiring localized, inclusive responses. Civic crowdfunding aligns perfectly with these needs, as it:
- Empowers local actors to take initiative,
- Promotes bottom-up innovation and co-design,
- Enhances trust between citizens and institutions,
- Bridges funding gaps in underserved areas.
Good Practices: Inspiration from the Region and Beyond
BAUHAUS4MED promotes visibility and knowledge exchange by showcasing exemplary civic crowdfunding initiatives that have transformed communities.
- Green Roofs in Barcelona (Spain): The Barcelona City Council launched a matching fund campaign to support the installation of green roofs on public and private buildings. Through civic crowdfunding, citizens co-financed these projects, improving urban biodiversity, reducing heat islands, and promoting climate resilience, all while strengthening community ownership.
- Naples’ Sanità Neighbourhood Murals (Italy): Local associations in Naples raised funds through civic platforms to commission public art in the historically neglected Sanità district. The initiative not only revitalized public spaces but also generated employment for local artists and tourism revenue.
- OpenHeritage Labs (EU-wide): Part of a Horizon 2020 project, OpenHeritage Labs activated heritage spaces through participatory processes and civic crowdfunding. By engaging diverse stakeholders, these labs turned abandoned buildings into vibrant community hubs, promoting cultural innovation and social inclusion.
- MEDSEA Foundation’s Coastal Restoration (Sardinia, Italy): Through a combination of crowdfunding and institutional support, the MEDSEA Foundation financed the reforestation of coastal dunes and wetlands in Sardinia. The initiative engaged schools, residents, and tourists in stewardship of local ecosystems.
Join the Movement
Bauhaus4Med invites cities, civil society organisations, and citizens across the Mediterranean to embrace civic crowdfunding as a lever for regenerative and inclusive development. Whether you are an architect, artist, activist, or policymaker—your voice, vision, and contribution matter.
Together, we can fund the future we want—beautiful, sustainable, and for all.
👉 Learn more at https://bauhaus4med.interreg-euro-med.eu/
