State of Indiana

01/28/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2022 12:59

Lt. Gov. Crouch, IHCDA launch crowdfunding campaign for Playground

$15,000 goal to receive a matching grant through IHCDA's CreatINg Places initiative

Fort Wayne, Indiana (February 16, 2022)- Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) today launched a campaign for a new playground in Fort Wayne. If this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $15,000 by April 13, 2022, the John S. Irwin Elementary PTA will receive a matching grant as part of IHCDA's CreatINg Places program.

"We are excited to help bring a new play space for kids of all ages in Fort Wayne," Crouch said. "CreatINg Places is a great program to enhance Indiana neighborhoods. 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 will purchase and install new playground equipment for the 46806 neighborhood and the John S. Irwin Elementary School. The goal is to ensure that neighborhood youth have opportunities to engage in high-quality play that is safe and free.

"We know that the new playground will bring a great deal of joy to the children in the 46806 neighborhood as well as to our students," shared Sarah Hyndman, John S. Irwin Elementary PTA's Co-President. "And we are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with IHCDA's CreatINg Places program. We are confident that this opportunity will help us to achieve our fundraising goals."

Since the CreatINg Places program 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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