I’ve shared about this before on Twitter, but the folks at the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority continue to offer between $5,000 and $50,000 in matching grants to fund local “creative placemaking” community improvement projects. Here’s a video overview of the program:
Bridget Anderson at the IHCDA sent out an announcement about the funding available in the new year, saying “CreatINg Places funds projects like plazas, trails, community gardens, playscapes, murals, farmers markets, and beyond. More than that, it acts as a great opportunity to engage local residents in making their community a great place to live, work and play.”
You can learn more and submit a project application online via the crowdfunding website Patronicity.
Some requirements:
- Project must be conducted by 501c3, 501c4, or local unit of government
- Project must activate vacant or unused space
- Project space must be open to the public
- Project cannot be located in a floodway
- Project must generate community support
- This is no application deadline, projects are reviewed on a rolling basis
- You do not need to have previous crowdfunding experience
Here are the full program guidelines.
(Even if you don’t have a non-profit entity, if you have a great idea and are energized to see it through, I know there are a number of local organizations that might serve as your fiscal sponsor for the course of the project.)
There are also others who have been through this process before and have tips to offer. Richmond Parks Superintendent Denise Retz writes, “I would be more than happy to help any one that may be contemplating using this platform to fund projects. Parks along with partners have been able to invest over $640,000 in Richmond through 6 projects since 2017.” Those projects include the Clear Creek Sensory Playground, Middlefork Playground, Orchard at Mary Scott, Pickleball courts, Starr Park Playground and the Starr-Gennett Building Winter Farmer’s Market facility updates.
We know there are tons of great ideas out there for how to make Richmond and Wayne County better. This is a great opportunity to see one come to life. What’s your idea?
Updated Jan 22 to add information from Parks Superintendent Denise Retz.
Hi - I'm Chris Hardie. I live and work in Richmond, Indiana.
Susan Isaacs
This is really exciting. I know our community is full of creative ideas for making our city a better place. Let’s work together to get this information out there!
howard lamson
This is terrific. Amigos would love to work on a project (s)to create and to develop several initiatives to build exercise equity throughout our city. We would like to partner with other organizations who would like to enhance opportunities for underrepresented families and others to engage in guided healthy, activities. This would include using space from the following sites or organizations as a starting point
1. Hayes Arboretom
2. Richmond parks
3. Richmond Community Schools
4. Churches
5.Boys and Girls Club
6 Girls Inc
7. Earlham and IU East
Amigos would be happy to share our ideas and 6 years of experience we have developed teaching tennis to boys and girls from all backgrounds throughout the community.