A new project is hoping to help fund community initiatives in and around the Burntwood area.
The Chasewater Soup group will launch next month and invite visitors to hear pitches from organisations wanting to secure a “micro-grant”.
Those attending the meeting pay an entrance fee of £5 which entitles them to a bowl of soup, a bread roll and a vote. Up to four projects then bid for a share of the admission fees.
Kate Gomez, from organisers Simply ABCD, said: “I went to Birmingham Soup last year and was inspired by way it gave anyone with an idea to benefit their community the opportunity to raise some money for it.
“I love that the funds from the soup are democratically given to the idea with the most votes, and that even for those who don’t receive funding, there are loads of benefits to taking part.
“Contacts are made, resources shared and ideas validated. I’m so excited that Chasewater will be hosting a soup and can’t wait to see what brilliant initiatives are put forward.
“It’s going to be great fun for everyone involved.”
The winning group will return to future Chasewater Soup meetings to discuss how their funding has helped to make a difference in the local community.
The Soup fundraising model began in the USA before being developed across the UK.
Cllr Gill Heath, Cabinet member for communities and the environment at Staffordshire County Council, said: “We are very excited to be hosting this event at Chasewater, and hope for a lot of local interest.
“It would be wonderful to be able to set up a Friends of Chasewater group through the Soup initiative, and I would urge the community to come along and get involved.”
The Chasewater Soup takes place on March 25 at 11am. Any groups wanting to attend and pitch can download an application form from the Chasewater Facebook group and then emailed to [email protected].