Crowdfunding, It’s for Communities Too

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Rural communities typically have the desire and the work ethic necessary to make their community great; the only thing missing in the equation is typically the funding. Larger cities with large community foundations, active philanthropic organizations, and many affluent individuals with heartstrings tied to the community. Yet smaller communities typically do not have access to the resources, limiting their ability to make impactful change.

That’s why crowdfunding tools like Patronicity matter.

Crowdfunding isn’t about begging for donations or replacing the responsibility of the governmental entity. It’s about providing a way that people can put their name on the future of their community, even if their investment is only a few dollars per project.

What is Patronicity?

Patronicity is a crowdfunding and community-engagement platform designed specifically for civic, cultural, and public projects. It helps communities build support and raise funds to help funding projects that can make a local impact. Projects like downtown revitalization, historic preservation, public art, parks, trails, and other facilities can all benefit from the crowdfunding platform.

Unlike more generic crowdfunding platforms, Patronicity focuses on place-based projects rather than personal profit. Projects listed on the platform are typically led by cities, nonprofits, or community groups to create projects for public betterment.

Reaching the People Who Don’t Come to Meetings

Every town has residents who care deeply about their community. However, they cannot attend all of the council meetings, open houses, or project workshops. There is also a general lack of interest in council meetings, where the majority of the subject matter is administrative. I work for a community of nearly 20,000 residents, but you can typically count the number who attend council meetings with your fingers. Those who do attend typically have a bone to pick rather than an intense desire to help out.

Patronicity invokes involvement from those who care about the community by reaching out to them on their own schedule. Through a town’s website or social media posts, those who have an interest in contributing to making the community better can have access to information on projects on their own schedule. They don’t have to come to a meeting to find out about potential projects, the information is at their fingertips at a time that is convenient for them.

The Right Projects for the Right Tool

One of the most important rules of a successful crowdfunding effort is the project type. Crowdfunding works best for projects that people can see, feel, and point to with pride. Hence, a physical project is important for success. This may include:

  • A downtown streetscape improvement
  • A park feature kids will actually use
  • Public art that tells a local story
  • A historic building getting a second life
  • A trail, plaza, or gathering space

People want to point at something and say, “I helped make that project a reality.” Give them that opportunity.

Sample Successes

Hancock, Michigan – Creekside Trailhead and Bike Park

The Hancock Trails Club used crowdfunding successfully to raise funds for the Creekside Trailhead and Bike Park. A town of 4,500 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Hancock is considered a “cultural capital” for Finnish Americans. The community offers a variety of festivals, attractions, and recreational activities.

One of those recreational activities is trails, which is in good hands with the Hancock Trails Club. The Club submitted a crowdfunding project to Patronicity for a creekside trailhead and bike park. Though the project had a goal of $50,000, it raised $59,440 before it was closed. This was further enhanced by a Public Spaces Community Places (PSCP) matching grant, provided by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), making the crowdfunding twice as effective.

Hancock Creekside Trailhead and Bike Park under Construction, image courtesy of Hancock Trails Club

Warsaw, Indiana – The Warsaw Alley

The City of Warsaw conceived of an idea to convert a nondescript alley into a safe and inviting pathway that would connect Buffalo Street and City Hall Plaza. This community of nearly 16,000 residents in north-central Indiana developed a plan to install decorative paving, tables and chairs, a mixture of vegetation, and other amenities to create a welcoming space near City Hall.

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority pledged a matching grant of $50,000 if the fundraising campaign was successful. More than successful, the project in Patronicity raised $58,795 before fundraising was closed.

Put the Work In

Too many good ideas die quietly in capital improvement plans or sit on shelves waiting for the “right” grant cycle. Meanwhile, residents walk past vacant buildings, underused parks, and forgotten downtowns every day knowing something could be better. Crowdfunding provides tools that appreciate local effort, value small contributions, and strengthen the bond between people and place.

But crowdfunding works best with a well-conceived project setup. So get started now and put the work in to develop a project layout that has a visual draw and plenty of information for potential donors. It’ll take time, but the proper setup is important to put the best foot forward for your project.