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Last updated on Wednesday, November 14, 2018
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Benton County residents will soon be able to enjoy a beautiful new gathering space thanks to a recently launched crowdfunding campaign.
The campaign is sponsored by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and offered through the crowdfunding platform developed by Patronicity. The campaign is led by the Benton Community Foundation, in partnership with the Town of Fowler.
"The Monarch Commons project will take vacant, underutilized lots and turn them into a vibrant common area with the addition of art, seating and a stage," said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. "I have no doubt this will soon become a great gathering place for both residents and visitors to Benton County."
If the campaign reaches its $50,000 goal by January 10, 2018 the "Monarch Commons" project will receive a matching grant of $50,000 from IHCDA's CreatINg Places program.
Click here for project details and to donate.
The funding raised during this campaign will allow the Benton Community Foundation and the Town of Fowler to turn two empty lots in downtown Fowler into a beautiful and engaging commons area. A stage, seating, landscaping, and public art will all be installed to create a comfortable gathering and event space. The Monarch Commons will be right in front of the "Be the Change" mural that was installed in 2017; the monarch butterflies highlighted in the mural are what inspired the project name and design.
"This project will create a beautiful and useful space in our downtown," said Linda Brouillette, President of the Fowler Town Council. "As a community gathering spot, the space has so much potential to benefit downtown businesses and the adjacent historic Fowler Theatre. We are grateful for the support and generosity of Benton Community Foundation and the IHCDA to see this dream turn into a reality."
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised in excess of $1,620,000 in public funds and an additional $1,375,000 in matching IHCDA funds.
The CreatINg Places 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 they successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.
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