Indiana cities and towns seek crowdfunding for community projects
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Several Indiana communities are using crowdfunding to raise money for a variety of community-based projects. Organizers hope to tap into matching funds that could be provided by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program.
The program, which was established in 2016, provides up to $50,000 in matching funds for projects that hit their crowdfunding goals on Patronicity.
Not-for-profit organizations and government entities with projects that have a minimum $10,000 development cost are eligible to participate.
New playground in Wayne County
The Wayne County town of Economy is nearing its $50,000 crowdfunding goal to support a project to upgrade playground equipment that has not been updated in more than 70 years.
The playground is located on a 2.32 acre lot that includes a nearly 1,400-square-foot building, which services as the town’s community center. The project will remove the old playground equipment with a kid’s perch that includes climbing structures and slides, a ten spin, and a swing set. The funding will also cover installation and ground cover.
“We are excited for the opportunity to provide our community with a safe and modern playground facility,” said Perry Township Trustee Dan Hollenberg. “It is something our community deserves, especially our young families. We have grandparents in their 70s who played on the very playground equipment we are hoping to replace. I think the whole community will get behind this long-overdue project.”
The project has raised $47,651 ahead of its April 22 deadline.
Odon Veterans of Foreign Wars Multi-Sport Pavilion Project
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation is just over halfway to its goal of raising $21,750 to transform a portion of its post in Odon into a multi-sport pavilion that could accommodate everything from sports such as basketball and pickleball to concerts and community events.
The project would include the installation of a product from Versacourt to create a durable game court. The funding would also support a retaining wall, concrete pad, basketball goal, sports equipment and lights.
“Together we can embrace the spirit of unity and athleticism with Odon’s multi-sport pavilion, where dreams take flight, friendships are forged and the heartbeat of sports resonates with every shared moment,” said Adam Thorne, post quartermaster for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation.
The project has raised $11,262 ahead of its April 23 deadline.
DeKalb County Veterans Memorial
Junior Auburn Main Street is looking to raise $50,000 to create a public space near Auburn’s waterfront district that honors veterans and can also serve as a space for community celebrations and events.
The new Dekalb County Veteran’s Memorial will include the names of those who have served the country etched on stone pillars. The not-for-profit said the project will also be the first riverfront district project completed for the public along Cedar Creek.
“Our Junior Auburn Main Street students are so excited to begin this project, to work with our local veterans and make an impact in our community,” said Auburn Main Street Executive Director Ann Finchum. “This memorial will represent those who have served our country and will be a symbol for all DeKalb County.”
The project has raised $7,720 to date ahead of its April 22 deadline.
Lewisville Outdoor Skating Rink Renovation
The Henry County town of Lewisville and the Lewisville Park Committee are just over halfway to their $6,000 crowdfunding goal to support renovations for the town’s outdoor roller-skating rink.
Project organizers are looking to demolish the old cement skating rink and replace it with four inches of new cement, which would provide a safer and smoother place for kids and adults to skate.
“Your support of the Lewisville Outdoor Skating Rink Renovation not only helps enhance the skating rink, it strengthens the sense of community pride and togetherness that makes Lewisville a special place to live,” said Lewisville Park Committee Member Nancy McCullers.
The project has raised $3,300 ahead of its May 5 deadline.
You can learn more about the CreatINg Places program by clicking here.