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

CHARLESTOWN, Ind. (Nov. 25, 2024) – Charlestown residents will soon have a charming new pocket park if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Jan. 25, 2025. If successful, the project led by the City of Charlestown will receive a matching grant as part of IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.

“Many Hoosiers are facing a loneliness epidemic. Creating welcoming public spaces where individuals of all ages can gather is crucial to a community's health and quality of life," said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "This project illustrates how small spaces can have tremendous impact and become a point of pride for the community."

Funds from this campaign will be used to create a parklet along Short Street, complete with unique seating and innovative architectural design for everyone to enjoy, further enhancing the City Square. The project will enhance the City Square as a central hub for events, fairs throughout the year and Charlestown's largest tourism draw, Charlestown Christmas City.

“We’re excited to kickstart this fundraising opportunity to help us build a beautiful addition to our city square. Jennings Plaza is a place where we keep our small-town vibe alive through a variety of community events and adding this parklet will help us be more creative in how we engage with residents and visitors,” said City of Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges.

Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $11.8 million in public funds and an additional $10.1 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.