Program OverviewThe Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority(IHCDA) in conjunction with Patronicity developed CreatINg Places,a place-based crowdgranting program. IHCDA saw a value inincentivizing community focused placemaking improvements andknew that local units of government and non-profits were seeking ameaningful way to develop their communities. Communities generate public engagement through theimplementation of creative neighborhood improvements byincentivizing individual donations with matching IHCDA funds.Indiana’s ability to attract and retain talent is greatly increasedwhen taking advantage of unique placemaking assets in each of itscommunities, which makes this funding mechanism even morevaluable. These projects affect the lives and well-being of bothresidents and visitors while the CreatINg Places program serves toempower and build vibrant communities.

CreatINg PlacesCASE STUDY | 2019

“CreatINg Places is successful becausecommunities want to improve thequality of place, not only for currentresidents, but to attract new residents,businesses and visitors to theircommunity.” Carmen Lethig,Placemaking Manager at IHCDA said,“We’ve seen these projects positivelyimpact the way community membersfeel about and interact with the placesthey live and that is what we hope willbe a long-term benefit of thisinvestment”.

Location | Indiana

7716,152$2,747,914 $2,257,750$5,005,664

# Projects# PatronsCrowdfundingMatching GrantsTotal Funding

The “CreatINg Places” program aims to empowerthe public - residents, businesses and communityorganizations - to play a role in achievingcommunity improvements and buildingcommunity pride.

- Carmen LethigPlacemaking Manager at IHCDA

Patronicity1

2016 to May 2019

Learn more at Patronicity.com/CreatINgPlaces

with

Public Spaces, Community PlacesPlaces

Patronicity2

Program ImpactSince the launch of the program in 2016, both rural, urban and suburbancommunities across Indiana have leveraged the power of crowdfundingwith state funding, to help drive dozens of public spaces improvementsacross the state. Projects types from traditional parks to a downtown trolley and an urbanhighway overlook have emerged to make crowdgranting a go-to strategyfor the diverse communities across Indiana. CreatINg Places even helpscommunities that may not be eligible or have the resources to securetraditional funding or are overlooked for large scale housing developmentfunds. The program has given communities like Yeoman and Dillsboro, INthe opportunity to beautify and enhance their public spaces and betterposition them as they look to attract business and visitors while retainingvibrant connectivity with their residents. With thousands of donors, the CreatINg Places opportunity is engagingHoosiers to participate in civic projects at an unprecedented rate. Thecrowdgranting model gives legitimacy to community projects and is apowerful incentive for an individual to give. It empowers communitychange at a grassroots level and makes each individual donation gofurther than ever before.

Public Spaces, Community PlacesCASE STUDY | 2019CreatINg Places

CASE STUDY | 2019

"Funding for quality of liferesources is always achallenge in a small, ruralcommunities like Bedford,IN. CreatINg Places enabledus to translate our idea for anew park space into reality,through an accessiblecrowdfunding platform andstate matching funds. "  

- Barry JeskewichDirector at Bedford Parks & Recreation

Gary Mural Project, Gary, Indiana

ImpactThrough their campaign they were able to install two murals at 3523 N Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 and include awayfinding sign and viewing bench. Local artists Jerrod Tobias & Kara Tobias (Tobias Studios), and Daniel Baxter workedfor 20 days straight to complete the murals. The murals were designed to last for 30 years and are a representation ofcommunity collaboration and investment.

Mandala Murals Project | Fort Wayne, Indiana

“The campaign has received great praise fromthe community, including sponsors,

neighbors, and community leaders. We havegotten nothing but positive feedback on howbeautiful and vibrant the murals are and how

much they add to the quality of life in theNorth Anthony Corridor”

SummaryA group of area residents in the North Anthony neighborhood of Fort Wayne, Indiana wanted to engage businesses andproperty owners in revitalization efforts. They saw two exterior walls of local businesses as blank canvas’ and opportunities.They sought to create two murals, public art pieces, that would improve connectivity to the space and beautify theircommunity. The goal was that the murals would become a destination for those living, working, and visiting theneighborhood.

– Allison Demaree-CoaleNorth Anthony Corridor Group

3©2019 Patronicity

CASE STUDY | 2019CreatINg PlacesCASE STUDY | 2019

patronicity.comPatronicity is a civic crowdfunding & crowdgrantingplatform. We bring together local citizens and sponsors tosupport great initiatives in their communities.Contact us at info@patronicity.com for more information.

Tangible ResultsThe North Anthony Corridor’s Mandala Murals have increasedpublic awareness of the neighborhood, and its offerings, givena voice to local residents and businesses, and created a senseof pride and identity. Community members and visitors alikehave provided positive feedback about the beauty and vibrancyof the murals, a tribute to the improved quality of life on theCorridor.

ImpactIn addition to the patio, shelter house, pergola, and deck, the project was able to add a bike rack designed by a local artist. Thisaspect of the project is historically and culturally significant as it is in the shape of a light bulb recognizing Wabash as the firstelectrically lighted city! The usage of the space has increased dramatically. The City and individual community members havehosted picnics, birthday parties, and events. It’s now a terrific place to enjoy a relaxing view of the river and stop by on walks orbicycle rides. It has truly become a focal point of the riverfront’s walking trail and a gateway to the Wabash, In

Wabash Riverfront Plaza | Wabash, Indiana

“The improvements have created aspace that is beautiful, usable, and willbe enjoyed by visitors and residents ofWabash for decades to come-none of

which would have been possiblewithout the CreatINg Places grant.”

SummaryThe north bank along the Wabash river stood empty. A few organized and driven community members saw an opportunity totransform this eye-sore into something more. With its proximity to a new trailway, they knew this space had the potential tobecome a destination.  Not only did they want to enhance the view of the river but provide a space for the community to gather,relax, and recreate. They started the Wabash Riverfront Plaza campaign with the goal of raising $50,000 with a $50,000 matchfrom the Indiana Housing Community Development Authority’s first ever CreatINg Places grant. In a little over a month they hittheir goal and they raised a total of $82,659.

– Jordan TandyMarketplace Design Committee Chairman

3©2019 Patronicity

CASE STUDY | 2019CreatINg PlacesCASE STUDY | 2019

patronicity.comPatronicity is a civic crowdfunding & crowdgrantingplatform. We bring together local citizens and sponsors tosupport great initiatives in their communities.Contact us at info@patronicity.com for more information.

Tangible ResultsThe project has spurred further public and private investment making it possibleto expand parking and sidewalk access to increase connectivity to the rest of thecity. A local business owner has opened an ice cream and sandwich shop in anadjacent building providing additional economic development. The communitywas inspired by their initial success and to-date have completed two additionalcrowdgranting campaigns, the Wabash Inclusive Playground and the RainforestPlay Park. All of these new placemaking efforts have raised almost $200,000and are strategically located within walking distance of each other providingadditional and all year-round opportunities to enjoy the community. Thecommunity is committed to enhancing the vibrancy of their downtown.