Community projects seek crowdfunding support
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Organizers in five Indiana counties are crowdfunding for various projects and improvements in their communities. They hope to have their funds matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority through its CreatINg Places program.
The program will match funds up to $50,000 if projects reach their fundraising goal on Patronicity. Projects organized by not-for-profit or government entities are eligible if they have a minimum of $10,000 in development costs.
Since its inception in 2016, the program has matched over $9.1 million for crowdfunded projects
like these.
Creitz Park Project (Wayne County)
Cambridge City is looking to raise $50,000 in order to enhance a playground area near Creitz Park. The money will go toward accessible play equipment, benches, and paved pathways.
“It is imperative that we continue to improve the area – keeping Creitz Park a safe and inviting environment for our citizens to enjoy for many years to come.” said Jim McLane, President of
Cambridge City Town Council.
The town has just under $10,000 to go in order to reach its goal before the June 23 deadline.
VCL Veterans Field Project (Knox County)
The Vincennes Cub League aims to raise $50,000 for updated baseball facilities at Veterans’ Field. The money will go towards improvements such as new dugouts, safer bleachers, and a scoreboard.
“We are committed to providing top quality facilities to the players and families here in Vincennes and the surrounding communities,” says Chad Deckard, Vincennes Cub League Vice President. “With the makeover of Veterans’ Field, we look to expand our league play for the 13-to-15-year-olds as well as provide an ideal facility for our Vincennes Clark Middle School baseball teams.”
The league has raised $38,000 of its $50,000 goal and is working toward a July 7 deadline.
Brown County Pickleball Club Court Project (Brown County)
The Brown County Pickleball Club hopes to raise $50,000 for new pickleball courts. The money will go toward constructing a new facility in Deer Run Park with up to eight new courts.
“Pickleball courts in Brown County will not only match the recreational offerings of our neighboring communities,” said Danny Key, president of the Brown County Pickleball Club, “it will enhance our status as a major tourist destination, driving economic benefits to our local retailers and lodging facilities.”
The deadline for the fundraiser is July 14, and the project has raised just over $18,000 so far.
Fields Market Garden Greenhouse and Community Gathering Space (Hamilton County)
Carmel’s Fields Market Garden aims to raise $50,000 to expand the community garden. Funds will go toward a greenhouse, as well as additional community programming.
“We look forward to creating a space we can share with the community by hosting engaging events, educational workshops, providing fresh local flowers and produce to neighbors and expanding our employment opportunities for nearby North End residents,” says Kate Sexton, urban farmer at Fields Market Garden.
The project has raised around $40,000 so far, and has until July 17 to reach its goal.
Fresh Starts Food Truck (Lake and Porter Counties)
Community Change Center in Valparaiso is raising $30,000 to purchase and update a food truck which will be run by former inmates as a program to provide employment for people reentering the community after incarceration.
The food truck will primarily be stationed outside the county jail and other justice-oriented buildings. The Community Change Center hopes this will foster positive interactions between former inmates and corrections staff.
“The Fresh Starts Food Truck will reduce recidivism and stigma surrounding the justice-involved population by providing supportive employment to those returning to the community after incarceration,” said Sam Burgett, Founder of the Community Change Center. “The food truck will help foster relationships between the formerly-incarcerated population and those working within the justice system … We look forward to fostering such positive feelings and relationships in our community.”
The organization has raised $4,000 so far, and has a deadline of August 6.