New Scheme to Pair East Midlands Community Projects with Supportive Businesses

Community projects across the East Midlands can now access free support through a new initiative launched by the region’s Mayor.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has officially launched Match My Project – a digital marketplace designed to connect grassroots community organisations with businesses willing to offer funding, resources, or expertise.

Match My Project Launch, County Hall, West Bridgford

The scheme, funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), is free to use for both community organisations and suppliers. It is being delivered in partnership with Derby City, Nottingham City, Derbyshire County and Nottinghamshire County councils.

Speaking at the launch, attended by more than 150 suppliers and voluntary sector representatives at Nottinghamshire County Hall, Mayor Ward said:

Grassroots community organisations know our region best. Their deep understanding of our communities allows them to deliver real, meaningful change for people.

This platform will help them have even more of an impact, by giving them access to vital support and resources.

And this is not just a wonderful opportunity for grassroots organisations, but also for our suppliers and employers, giving them a chance to demonstrate their commitment to improving community wellbeing and addressing social issues.

We are proud to adopt Match My Project for the purpose of delivering real value to our region.

Match My Project launch, County Hall, West Bridgford. From left, Cllr Stuart Matthews, Nottinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward and Cllr Mick Barton, Nottinghamshire County Council leader.

Cllr Mick Barton, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, added:

“This is the first time Match My Project has been implemented as a region-wide approach.

With EMCCA and the four constituency councils all joining the platform as one, we are each doing our bit to lift the region and ensuring communities in all corners of the East Midlands will benefit.”

How it works

• Community groups can post requests for support such as funding, materials, volunteer hours or specialist expertise.

• Suppliers can browse and ‘match’ with projects, providing the requested support free of charge.

• Suppliers can also make proactive offers – for example, by donating surplus resources or advertising volunteer hours.

The platform has already been trialled in other areas including Birmingham and Cambridge, helping over 1,000 community projects to date.

Local community organisations and suppliers can sign up here: https://matchmyproject.org/emcca