Four Indiana communities seek crowdfunding support

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Four 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.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities with projects that have a minimum $10,000 development cost are eligible to participate.

Mobile farm stand in Orange County

The Orange County Food Trust is looking to raise $6,000 to launch the Farms to Friends Farm Stand, a mobile farm stand designed to bring fresh food to regional health clinics and food pantries in Paoli and surrounding communities.

“The Farms to Friends Farm Stand will make it so much easier to bring farm-fresh produce to the people who need it most—not just here in Orange County but also in Crawford and Lawrence counties,” said Janet Kennedy, Chair of the Orange County Food Trust. “By connecting local farmers to our communities, we’re ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food.” 

The campaign has raised about $950 to date toward its deadline of May 10.

Pickleball courts at Rockport City Park

The city of Rockport and The Association for a Better Rockport has launched a campaign to raise $50,000 to build four state-of-the-art pickleball courts at Rockport City Park.

The project would also include fencing surrounding the courts, as well as shaded areas for seating, the city said on its Patronicity page. The goal of the project is to create a “long-lasting recreational resource for families, seniors, and athletes looking for a new way to stay active.”

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring new pickleball courts to our community,” Rockport Mayor Cathy Kirkpatrick said in a news release. “This project reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Rockport by providing fun, active and engaging recreation for residents of all ages.”

The campaign has raised just over $13,000 toward its goal, which has a deadline of May 15.

Lester Square basketball court renovation

The city of Vincennes is nearing its $50,000 goal to support the complete renovation of two basketball courts in Lester Square Memorial Park.

The park currently features the city’s only public basketball courts. The project will involve the pouring of new pavement for two full-size courts, as well as the installation of new basketball goals and lighting features.

“We’re all really excited to continue the momentum of improvements to our parks,” said JR Field, director of Vincennes Parks and Recreation. “Lester Square is an important asset to our community and the new basketball courts will be a great addition to the growth of Indiana’s First City.”

The campaign has raised more than $46,000 to date and has a deadline of May 17.

The project adds to the recently opened skate park at Lester Square, which opened last August and also received crowdfunding support through Creating Places.

Cooper Commons Recreation Project

Officials in the Owen County town of Spencer are looking to raise $50,000 for a project to add certain amenities to Cooper Commons.

The project includes the installation of a full-size basketball court, two pickleball courts and a new restroom facility, according to the Owen County Community Foundation. Officials also aim to make pathway improvements and add seating areas to enhance accessibility and safety.

“This project is going to have a huge impact on the usability of Cooper Commons,” said Kristen Portteus, president of the Spencer Parks Board. “This is the first step in making it an enjoyable park for people of all ages.”

The campaign has raised just over $29,000 toward its goal and has a deadline of June 1.