COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch are launching a crowdfunding campaign today to benefit Columbus Propeller Inc.
If the crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Jan. 15, the project will receive a matching grant as part of the IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program.
Funds from this campaign will be used to transform the exterior of a 9000-square foot former engine test site on the Columbus AirPark campus into a community innovation center and makerspace that fosters STEM education and training, career exploration and entrepreneurship. Its labs are outfitted for metalworking, 3D printing, woodworking, robotics and electronics.
This project will begin with a stark white, blank exterior and will be redesigned to include an airport runway viewing platform, outdoor kitchen, and an inviting public plaza. The property will be enhanced with murals, seating areas, landscaping and a repurposed light sculpture from Exhibit Columbus.
Columbus Area Chamber Foundation, Inc, a 501c3 organization, partners with Columbus Propeller, Inc. as its fiscal agent. The design plans were created as part of a stakeholder engagement process facilitated by Columbus-based design studio, LAA Office, paid for with grants from Heritage Fund and Columbus Museum of Art and Design.
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $7.2 million in public funds and an additional $5.9 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.
How to give
In order to receive matching funds, Columbus Propeller must raise $50,000 by Jan. 15, 2023. More information about the project, as well as links for online giving, is available at patronicity.com/propeller. Anyone who wishes to donate via cash or check can send their donations to Columbus Propeller c/o Columbus Chamber Foundation, 500 Franklin St., Columbus IN 47201.
Anyone with questions can call 812-379-4457 or email [email protected].
For more on this story, see Thursday’s Republic.
