A new way of funding grassroots projects has launched in York – all while enjoying a delicious stew.
This month, at a sold-out community dinner called STEW, York residents came together not just to eat, but to decide where funding should go for grassroots projects.
York Together, the organisation behind the initiative, hosted the event at Bluebird Bakery in Acomb on Wednesday 2 April, driven by a vision of creating a fairer York.
Attendees gathered to share a warming stew and meet new people, and after hearing quickfire pitches from three local grassroots groups, they voted for the cause that resonated most.
The STEW format aims to put the decision-making power directly into the hands of the community.
A total of £547 was raised through ticket sales and went directly in to the prize pot to be shared between the three groups.
Stubborn Roots, a trans and non-binary folk music group, and Ageing Without Children, a peer support group for people who have not had children (whether by choice or circumstance) or whose children are unable to support them as they get older, received £75 each.
Make Space York, a project focused on making York’s parks more gender-inclusive, received £397.
Abigail Gaines from Make Space York said: “I came away from STEW with a full heart. This was a wonderful community event with a supportive atmosphere. Attendees wrote encouraging notes on little cards to be given to each pitcher at the end of the night, these appreciation cards were like little hugs.
“York has so many amazing grassroots initiatives, good people doing good things, and to hear about some of them at this event was fantastic.”
STEW creators and hosts, York Together, were thrilled with how the event played out.
Anjelica Finnegan, development lead for York Together, said: “We have been genuinely moved by the warmth and encouragement in the room on the night. The atmosphere was full of care and solidarity, and we want to thank everyone who came to cheer our pitchers on and make them feel seen, supported, and appreciated.
“It’s rare to find a space where people come together like this: to eat, to listen, and to collectively decide what kind of future they want for their city – so we’re hoping we can host more STEW events in the future!”
