INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis residents will soon have a new neighborhood space if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by July 13, 2023. If successful, the project led by The Harrison Center will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
“We are excited at the prospect of broadening the Harrison Center’s local impact through the transformation of a vacant alley,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “CreatINg Places is a versatile program that sees potential in unused or underused spaces, and this campaign is yet another example of Hoosiers coming together to uplift their community.”
Funds from this campaign will be used to activate The Harrison Center’s alley with public art, a permanent art scavenger hunt, a light installation, improved utility screen fencing, and ramp railings. The reimagined alley will host events for the whole community.
“We want our alley to be an asset for the neighborhood,” said Joanna Taft, Executive Director of The Harrison Center. “It should be a place of activity, discovery, and joy.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $8.5 million in public funds and an additional $6.9 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.
