An "Avenue of the Arts" Raises Money With Crowdfunding

Using Crowdfunding platform PatronCity "The Avenue of the Arts" in Grand Rapids, Michigan has hit their $10,000 dollar goal, which means that their fund raising efforts will be matched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.



This money will allow them to get a street level space which they plan to use as;

Headquarters for the Avenue for the Arts
Office for learning lab
Interns who facilitate all Avenue events
Gallery space showcasing local artists
Education/infospot where Avenue newcomers can get more information
A community meeting space

I've said for a while that economic development organizations need to start taking better advantage of Crowdfunding, not just to help their own growth, but to help those of the businesses they serve. One of the most difficult things about crowdfunding is finding people who are interested in a project quickly enough to raise money. Economic and Community Development organizations can help with this, especially by searching for those interested in a project before it even launches.

The thing which many organizations have trouble with, however, is the rewards people get for sponsoring something, the swag. This was something the "Avenue for the Arts" excelled at, they had a lot of great stuff, to give to the people who supported them if they were successful.

kj