UPDATE: In just six days, the Fountain Square community reached its goal, raising more than $17,500. Additional money donated to the campaign through Saturday, July 1 will go toward artists’ stipends for programming on the plaza.
At the heart of Fountain Square is a plaza with a historic fountain (hence the name) that was originally dedicated on Sept. 9, 1924. This little area of the neighborhood has long been a gathering place for neighbors and visitors alike — but in recent years, it hasn’t been utilized to its full potential.
A new crowdfunding campaign is aiming to bring the center of the community, known for its arts + culture, back to life.
The plaza surrounding the fountains was created in 2014 to serve as a community space at the end of the original Cultural Trail + became a regular display of local talent through live concerts and artist pop-ups. However, the pandemic put a halt to gatherings and now the neighborhood wants this back.
The Fountain Square community + Fountain Fletcher District are working to raise $17,500 to add new lighting, tables, and chairs, plus provide paid entertainment in the plaza. If it reaches its goal by Saturday, July 1, it will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) as part of it’s Creating Places Initiative.
About Creating Places
Creating Places is a place-based crowdfunding grant program that employs a donation + reward-based method of crowdfunding called “crowdgranting.”
This program aims to help generate public involvement in the selection of creative improvements within their own communities, provide funding for project completion, and encourage the community to become invested in its surroundings.
The program is available to projects in traditional downtown neighborhoods, nonprofits (with 501c3 or 501c4 status), and government organizations. Projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, for which the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds.
Get involved
Want to help the Fountain Square community reach its goal? You can donate online. Pro tip: All donations are tax deductible.
If you give $100+, you’ll receive a Fountain Fletcher sticker and special recognition at the launch party.
