Initiative will fund community improvement ideas

• The $500 Project Initiative is seeking ideas that will make Richmond more loveable.
• Individuals, groups and organizations can submit ideas for projects that cost no more than $500.
• Organizers hope to involve people without a history of community involvement.

Got an idea that could make Richmond more loveable?

In his book “For the Love of Cities,” author Peter Kageyama talked about the kinds of things that inspire an emotional connection between a community and the people who live there. Thinks such as playgrounds, bike trails, teen activities, dog parks and festivals.

Kageyama visited Richmond in October as part of third annual “One Book, Many Voices” project organized by Indiana University East.

Wayne Township Trustee Susan Isaacs attended a breakfast with Kageyama and was inspired by his description of $500 projects that can make a huge difference in a community — so inspired that she put out a jar for donations and raised more than $500 at the breakfast.

That money was the beginning of the Grassroots Action Resource Center’s $500 Project Initiative.

Starting in January, the center — a Wayne Township community service office — will support at least one new community project each month.

The maximum cost of a project is $500.

In addition to funds, the center will provide help with advice, recruiting volunteers or other logistics as necessary.

Isaacs hopes people will be creative with their ideas. “(A project) can be public art ... a place to sit and relax ... it can be anything,” she said. “We don’t put any boundaries on it. ... It’s the small things in a community that really make it loveable.”

Applications can come from individuals, groups of friends or organizations. The plan is to encourage people who have not been involved in community projects to become involved. “Lack of experience is going to be a plus,” said Isaacs.

With that in mind, the application process is a simple one, with just six questions to answer.

The projects will be selected by a committee with representatives from various age groups and different parts of the community. Isaacs hopes to rotate committee members on a regular basis.

Funds for the $500 Project Initiative come from donations and committee members are volunteers. There are no payroll, indirect or administrative costs. Nothing comes from tax dollars.

Businesses or organizations that raise $500 can sponsor their a project under their name. They can use the money to fund their own ideas or ask the Grassroots Action Resource Center for help finding an idea to fund.

“It’s a very inexpensive way to make a positive impact on the community,” said Isaacs.

Staff writer Louise Ronald: (765) 973-4469 or lronald@pal-item.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/LouiseRonaldPI.

The $500 Project Initiative

•How to apply: Application forms are available at the Grassroots Action Resource Center, 819 E. Main St.; the Innovation Center, 814 E. Main St.; Wayne County Foundation, 33 S. Seventh St.; and Roscoe’s Coffee Bar and Tap Room, 185 Fort Wayne Ave. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 10, 2015.

•How to donate: All funds will be given directly to projects. Mail gifts to the Grassroots Action Resource Center, 819 E. Main St., Richmond, IN 47374

•For more information: Contact the Grassroots Action Resource Center at (765) 488-2928 or GrassrootsARC@gmail.com.