Crowdfunding campaign launched for the “Spruce Up Spruce Bridge” Project

INDIANAPOLIS – Residents of the southeast side of Indianapolis will soon be able to enjoy a new space along Pleasant Run, 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 Pleasant Run Committee of Reconnecting to Our Waterways (ROW) is leading the campaign, in partnership with Southeast Neighborhood Development (SEND).

“Spruce Bridge is truly a hidden gem in Southeast Indianapolis,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “Through a successful crowdfunding campaign, this project will ensure more people have an opportunity to enjoy this beautiful stretch of Pleasant Run Parkway.”

If the campaign reaches its $15,000 goal by June 29th, the ‘Spruce Up Spruce Bridge’ project will receive a matching grant of $15,000 from IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.

Click here for project details and to donate.

The funding raised during this campaign will allow ROW and SEND to implement a project planned with the input of the surrounding community through public brainstorming sessions last summer. At those sessions Spruce Bridge over Pleasant Run was identified as an important connection between neighborhoods, and a perfect destination for relaxation and education along the waterway. To ‘spruce up’ the area, two small plazas will be created at either end of the bridge with seating, native plantings, art pieces and educational installations.

“SEND is once again excited to partner with ROW and IHCDA through their CreatINg Places program to invest money back into our community,” said Paul F. Smith, Executive Director of SEND. “Together, we have created a destination opportunity along Pleasant Run Creek where our neighbors can connect with nature and with each other.”

Since the CreatINg Places program began last fall, projects have raised in excess of $1,140,000 in public funds and an additional $900,000 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.