INDIANAPOLIS—If this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Feb. 4, 2025, Residents of the Near Northwest Indianapolis neighborhood will have more options for healthy food and wellness resources. If successful, the project led by the Aspire House Indy/Aspire Higher Foundation will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
“Physical wellness and mental health go hand in hand. This neighborhood marketplace will help residents maintain healthier lifestyles through social connectedness, healthy food options, and more,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This project will bring immediate positive change for the community and a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Funds from this campaign will be used to create a new culinary space for well-being and transform a vacant space into a community food asset.
“In many under-resourced urban communities, access to fresh, nourishing food and safe spaces for mental health and well-being is far too rare. Residents often face daily challenges that deepen cycles of hunger, stress, and isolation,” said Sharon Clark, Executive Director of Aspire House. “Bloom + Brew is here to change that right in the heart of our neighborhood.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $11.9 million in public funds and an additional $10.2 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.
