The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Michigan Municipal League and Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity, has created a new way to harness community pride and leverage it into thriving, sustainable, and unique places where workers, entrepreneurs, and businesses want to locate, invest, and expand.
Public Spaces Community Places, a new and innovative crowdfunding and matching grant initiative, is helping to help drive public space projects in Michigan communities.
It is the first program of its kind in the country where local residents, businesses, and others can pool resources and actively engage to transform public spaces in their communities.
Communities, non-profits, and other business entities can submit projects and apply for a crowdfunding campaign through Patronicity with online donations being raised from community members, residents, and general supporters. Projects that meet fundraising goals will be backed by a matching grant of up to $100,000 from MEDC.
MEDC selected as the initial Public Spaces Community Places project Midtown Detroit Inc.’s Green Alley Project on Selden & Second that will transform the 415-foot-long alley bound by Second Ave., Selden, the Third Ave. Alley, and Alexandrine.
Midtown Detroit worked with Patronicity to raise $52,290 over 25 days (surpassing the $50,000 goal) through crowdfunding and secure a $50,000 matching grant from MEDC.
Alley enhancements will include a new design to promote walkability and community connectivity and green infrastructure upgrades to reduce the storm water burden on the city’s combined sewer system.
“The idea of creating something sustainable and impactful for the community, like the Selden & Second Green Alley, out of something so blighted, has really resonated in the Midtown community,” said Susan T. Mosey, president, Midtown Detroit Inc. “We are excited to be the pilot for this new initiative not only for our project but for the others that will follow.”
Next up, the Marquette Skate Park in the city of Marquette is on the clock to raise $10,000 for enhancements including landscaping, benches, skate-able art and community recognition pieces.
The deadline for the community to meet its fundraising goal and qualify for a $10,000 matching grant from MEDC is September 27. To view project details and offer support, please click here.
The skate park is the result of eight long years of hard work by the community to raise over $200,000 from individuals, corporations, foundations to build a state-of-art skate plaza for their youth. Hundreds of volunteers came out to help. The skate park has become a place not only for skateboarders but is welcoming to everyone in the community.
Crowdfunding is an easy and innovative way for community projects to gain public interest and raise money by being able to leverage donations of all sizes. MEDC has received a number of great proposals since the program’s launch and is working to help communities turn dream projects into reality.
Communities, non-profits and other business entities can find out more information and how to apply at www.patronicity.com/puremichigan.
Source: MEDC
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