Democratisation of funding

The "yaa-boo" between political parties about sources of funds is rarely far below the surface nor is it very edifying. Today, a revolution is under way in how funds are raised for the Arts, social and community causes, which could change this. Crowd-funding allows those with ideas to raise money have them turned into reality not, as hitherto, by going cap-in-hand to some wealthy or powerful individual or institution but by appealing to those most likely to appreciate the outcome for small contributions, which can be aggregated towards a larger target. These contributors may be a future audience, the local community or just supporters. Each will be willing to contribute partly because they are asked for little; but each will be offered some form of benefit or reward. This process is enabled by the Internet, where well tried processes and hosts make it easy. The promise of funds occurs in the Idea stage, meaning both that resource for implementation is obtained but so is buy-in when the Idea becomes Reality.

How could this relate to politics, Labour in particular? First, Labour has the need and desire to engage more democratically with its supporters; and to raise funds in new ways. Second, many supporters get pretty fed up with endless begging messages from HQ without knowing on what money will be or has been spent. Third, many may be all too willing to make small contributions to those costs of which they most approve. The party, on an appropriate platform, could itemise options for contributors: investment in a nationwide network for rural Labour, for example, vs employment of social media specialists for CLPs, vs a campaign to stay in EU; to see which appeal most and to gain support from those who relate to the topics concerned. This model has proved effective in engaging support for petitions via 38 Degrees, Avaaz etc.

Target budgets can be set which must be attained before action is taken, making selection democratic and also creating a fan-club for the ideas supported. Use of such new but effective models will reinvigorate funding and energise younger voters into action teams.
Tom Serpell, @uckfieldlabour