Local projects seeking crowdfunding support, state matches
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The state has announced it is supporting three community projects through potential matching funds, which would help create a new trailhead, preserve an historic bell tower and refresh basketball courts.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program provides the match if the projects reach their crowdfunding goals.
The program is open to not-for-profits and local governments, and eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000.
The IHCDA says its projects in the CreatINg Places program have raised more than $9.4 million in public funds and $7.7 million in matching funds since its inception in 2016.
Trailhead with restored boxcar in Salem
Radius Indiana is leading a project that will create a new trailhead and restore a boxcar if it receives $25,000 in its crowdfunding campaign. If they meet their goal by Nov. 25, the state will match, totaling $50,000 toward the community enhancement.
The trailhead will be on the Monon South Trail, which is a continuing project turning 60 miles of CSX rail corridor into communal space. The boxcar would be an ode to the corridor’s past and could be the last L&N 40 boxcar in North America.
“CreatINg Places is helping us bring an incredible opportunity back to life, and we are very excited to carry out this project, restoring an original and very unique L&N 40 boxcar,” said Jeff Quyle, President and CEO of Radius Indiana, in a news release. “This project will create a memorable tourism asset in Salem and will anchor a downtown trailhead the Salem community can cherish. Thank you to our community members who will support us during this project and throughout the rest of the development of the Monon South Trail.”
The campaign so far has $1,110 donated by nine people.
Clarksville bell tower
The Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission and the town’s residents are hoping to raise $27,500 to receive a matching grant that will preserve the 1899 George Rogers Clark School Bell Tower.
The project would turn the bell tower into a historical landmark and preserve it from further disrepair.
“Our entire town is excited to be working with Lt. Gov. Crouch and IHCDA in support of this exciting monument to South Clarksville’s past, present and future,” said Lynn Lewis, President of the Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission, in a release.
The campaign so far has $6,575 donated by 20 people. The community has until Nov. 12 to meet its goal.
Basketball and pickleball courts in Yorktown
The town of Yorkville could soon have new set of community courts if a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign meets its goal by Dec. 16. Organized by the Yorktown Schools Foundation, it hopes to reach its goal both to see a matching grant as well as a refreshed community space.
The money would go toward resurfacing existing courts near Yorktown Middle School.
“Health and wellness are some of the most important things in life,” said Ryan Kelly, Yorktown Schools Foundation Board member, in a release. “We believe this project will contribute to the foundation of a healthy lifestyle already being embraced by the Yorktown Community. We couldn’t be more excited about adding this community asset.”
No money has been raised as of Tuesday afternoon.