***UPDATE - Thanks to your support, we reached our $50,000 matching goal on Patronicity! Now that we've reach our goal, we'll receive a one-to-one match from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. That means we'll have raised over $100,000 to go towards transforming the former flower shop into a community destination for all.
CFI would like to say a special thank you to Karen and Bob Mackey, Debra Roberts, Libby Maynard, Glenn and Essence Wilson, Ridgway White, David Lurvey, America Walks, Hurley Medical Center, AG Bishop Charitable Trust, Sheppy Dog Fund, Fifth Third Bank, Flagstar Bank, and other financial supporters. We would be unable to do our work without the generosity of dedicated community partners like you! Thank you for walking alongside us in this work. Although the matching goal is over, you can still support this important project by donating here.***
CFI is racing to raise $50,000 to receive one-to-one matching grant through MEDC’s Public Community Places Initiative
Communities First, Inc. (CFI) is getting ready to transform a former flower shop and blighted lot into a dynamic, engaging community destination in Flint’s Grand Traverse Neighborhood. Focusing on food, music and fun, Foodie Commons @ the Flower Shop will offer a food truck park, event space complete with an outdoor stage, an open green space, and covered seating. Foodie Commons @ the Flower Shop will also host technical assistance and resource support for small businesses alongside engaging programs and events like public artistic performances, efforts focused on cross-cultural exploration, and ongoing activities like lawn games and open space for play and recreation.
To realize this vision and develop an important community amenity, Communities First, Inc. (CFI) is excited to be a part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Public Spaces Community Places Initiative. As a part of the PSCP initiative, CFI is racing to reach its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by February 15, 2022. Once the campaign hits its goal, Foodie Commons will receive a one-to-one matching grant from the MEDC, bringing the total funds raised for the Flint community to $100,000. For project details and to donate, please visit: www.patronicity.com/foodiecommons
“This project will transform a vacant building into an exciting community asset where community members can gather and small businesses can grow,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Community Development, Michele Wildman. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for the Foodie Commons project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.”
Foodie Commons will address the critical need for green spaces in the city for families to recreate, improve access to healthy foods, foster a supportive environment for small business owners, and create a community meeting place. “We’re excited to be a part of the Public Spaces Community Places program and that the MEDC sees Foodie Commons @ the Flower Shop as an important investment in Flint. Every donation to this project matters, and once we hit our goal, the MEDC with match every contribution dollar for dollar up to $50,000,” said Glenn Wilson, President and CEO of Communities First, Inc. “With support from the community, we’re confident we’ll be able to transform this blighted site into a community destination.”
Public Spaces Community Places is a collaborative effort of the MEDC, the Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity, in which local residents can use crowdfunding to be part of the development of strategic projects in their communities and be backed with a matching grant from MEDC. “The Michigan Municipal League is a firm believer in building community wealth in ways that enhance the human experience for everyone,” said Dan Gilmartin, the League’s CEO and Executive Director. “This Foodie Commons plan in Flint that takes a vacant lot and makes it into a vibrant community space for the benefit of all is community wealth building in action. With the backing of Flint supporters, this space will improve the human experience for everyone for years to come.”
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About the Public Spaces Community Places Program
The Public Spaces Community Places initiative started in 2014 with MEDC providing matched funding of up to $50,000 for community improvement projects throughout Michigan. As of Dec. 1, 2021, MEDC has provided more than $9.6 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 297 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with $11 million raised from 51,338 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning MEDC matching funds.