Youth-led initiatives in Mishawaka, Oldenburg, Terre Haute and Union City will improve public spaces, parks and athletic facilities if their respective fundraising goals are met.
Each of the four projects is an endeavor under the My Community, My Vision program, a youth-driven placemaking partnership between the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and Patronicity.
“Communities across Indiana thrive on vibrant, dynamic ideas that bring citizens together around the pursuit of common goals,” Matt Rayburn, the authority’s chief real estate development officer, said in a news release. “We need young leaders to join these discussions, and through My Community, My Vision, future decisionmakers can make their ideas a reality. We look forward to watching each of these projects unfold.”
Through the authority’s CreatINg Places program, organizations can receive a matching grant of up to $50,000 for streetscape projects, playground developments, theater renovations and other public improvement projects. The public fundraising to qualify for the matching grant occurs through Patronicity.com, an online crowdfunding platform for community projects.
The four projects:
- In Mishawaka, a $35,000 goal aims to install sculptures around the city.
- In Oldenburg, a $25,000 goal aims to resurface basketball courts so they also can be used for pickleball. The effort also would build a community fire pit with seating and landscaping.
- In Terre Haute, a $35,000 goal aims to build an accessible playground at Coy Park.
- In Union City, a $35,000 goal aims to build an accessible playground at Harter Park.
Under My Community, My Vision, groups of youth councils participate in a semester-long program focused on community development. The councils, with a government or nonprofit sponsor, pursue CreatINg Places funds.
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $12 million in public funds and an additional $10 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to nonprofit organizations and local units of government.