State of Indiana

01/28/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2022 13:26

Lt. Gov. Crouch, IHCDA launch crowdfunding campaign for Sargent Road Nature Park

$50,000 goal to receive a matching grant through IHCDA's CreatINg Places initiative

Indianapolis(Jan.26, 2022) - Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) today launched a campaignfor Indianapolis residents to enjoy a nature park in the recently preserved Mud Creek Conservancy. The Sargent Road Nature Parkprojectled by Mud Creek Conservancy will receive a $50,000 matching grant as a part of IHCDA's CreatINg Placesprogram. This project has until March 27, 2022to raise funds to receive the matching grant.

"We are excited to help bring this nature park tothe heart of the Mud Creek Valleyin Indianapolis,"Crouchsaid. "CreatINg Places is a great program to connectHoosiers to their neighborhoods, townsand natural spaces. Whether it be donating, volunteering or leading a project, our Placemaking program is a wonderful way to engage in your community."

Funds from this campaign willcreate anature park featuring a 1.5-miletrail, artful education displays and seating in their efforts to conserve, protect and connect people to nature.

"Wecouldn'tbe more excited to continue growingour incredible network of supporters throughthis matching grantopportunityfrom IHCDA," said Ben Miller, President of Mud Creek Conservancy. "If we can collectively rise to this challenge once again, ourpastdream of Sargent Road Nature Park will soon become areality.Our goal is to connect Indianapolis area residents with nature while providing a haven for the amazing biodiversity of the Mud Creek Valley."

Since the CreatINg Placesprogram began in 2016, projects have raised more than $5.5 million in public funds and an additional $4.5 million in matching IHCDA funds.The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and Local Units of Government are eligible to apply.

Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.

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