Crowdfunding Campaign Launched for Manchester Area Senior Center and Community Events Center

$50,000 goal to win matching grant through MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places initiative

 

LANSING, Mich. – The City of Manchester will be activating a vacant space in City Hall to create a permanent senior center and community center through the anticipated success of a crowdfunding campaign. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the City of Manchester announced the campaign today, which is being offered through the Michigan-based crowdfunding platform Patronicity. 

If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $50,000 by September 3^rd, the project will win a matching grant with funds made possible by MEDC’s Public Spaces Community Places program. For project details and to donate, please visit: patronicity.com/manchester. 

“Community elders are the backbone of the day-to-day civic economy in our cities and towns and it is important that we have a space for them to commune and spend time,” said MEDC Regional Development Managing Director Paula Holtz. “We are pleased to support and provide resources for this project through our Public Spaces Community Places program.” 

The Manchester Area Senior Citizens (MASC) have never had a place to call home. The City of Manchester is partnering with MASC and has committed to a 1200-square-foot area, rent-free, for the seniors to renovate for a permanent community center.   

The Center will serve as a safe place for seniors to have meals and engage in educational and social activities. It will also be available for intergenerational activities and for use for other community activities. This campaign will allow Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council (MASCC) to secure the final portion of funding needed to complete the transformation of the space into a fully functional community gathering space and center for seniors and the greater Manchester community. 

“Throughout our history the Manchester area senior citizens have depended upon others to provide a space for critical services,” said Pat Vailliencourt, Director of the Senior Center. “For the first time, thanks to the PSCP grant opportunity, will be able to provide a safe, permanent facility for our seniors to have meals and engage in educational, healthy lifestyles and social activities.” 

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. Communities, nonprofits and other business entities can apply at https://patronicity.com/puremichigan. 

”Feeling that you belong and have a place in your community is crucial for the human experience,” said Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Senior citizens can often struggle with isolation and a lack of connection. This project’s dedication to providing a place for people of all ages in the community will create a lasting positive impact in the Manchester area.” 

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 July 1, 2024, MEDC has provided more than $12.9 million in matching grants. Since the launch of the program, 383 projects have been successful in reaching their goal, with more than $14.7 million raised from 71,121 individual donors. Communities have a 97 percent success rate in achieving their goals and earning matching funds. 

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.