The Local Crowd Monadnock launched on April 15, 2017!
The Local Crowd (TLC) Monadnock is a locally based crowdfunding platform that’s about us -- our region, our community -- and the goals we've created around economic development and prosperity. Crowdfunding, the practice of sourcing small contributions from a large number of people, is nothing new. In fact, the Statue of Liberty’s base was funded by crowdfunding in 1885. Publisher Joseph Pulitzer launched a fundraising campaign in his newspaper and raised $101, 091 from over 160,000 donors. In today’s world, that would amount to over $2 million! With the advent of the Internet, the power of crowdfunding has increased exponentially. TLC Monadnock brings that power to our community. Once TLC Monadnock launches, you’ll be able to join with your friends and neighbors to support campaigns that inspire you -- by giving any amount of money you feel able and moved to give (from $1 on up!). Some campaigns provide rewards for your support -- a thank you gift for funding their project. TLC Monadnock will officially launch on March 15, 2017 with two campaigns focused on sustainable agriculture: Archway Farm’s “Farm to Table on Wheels” project and Stonewall Farm’s “Barn Raising” project.
Supporting sustainable agriculture is a prominent part of Keene’s Comprehensive Master Plan. Here’s a relevant section of the plan: “Local sources and sustainable agricultural practices can provide us with a high-quality, healthy, affordable and secure supply of food. We should continually seek to help local food producers sell their goods directly to consumers… as well as [support] sustainable food-production methods and education opportunities, linking local food with health, economic development, and land-use and climate-change goals.” TLC Monadnock empowers the crowd to help the City of Keene -- and our community -- reach our Master Plan goals.
Archway Farm, a small family farm on Arch Street in Keene, raises heritage breed pigs. “We think pigs are awesome, and there aren't nearly enough of them in New Hampshire,” said Mark Florenz, owner of Archway Farm. “With the support of our community, we would like to purchase a mobile sausage cart that would allow us to showcase the great tastes of locally grown food directly to our customers.” Mark hopes to bring Archway Farm products, as well as other local producers’ products (like bread and condiments) to the Farmers’ Market of Keene. The cart will also be available to come to your home or place of work to provide lunch for small groups. Learn more about Archway Farm.
The stars of Stonewall Farm’s educational programs -- the sheep, alpacas, goats and chickens -- need a new and safer barn. So, Stonewall Farm is having a barn raising, not only to help build the structure, but to fundraise to cover the costs of designing and constructing the barn. “The new barn will offer interpretive features, encourage visitor interaction with the animals, as well as provide an adequate meeting space for educational programs involving the animals,” shared Julie Davenson, executive director of Stonewall Farm. “For over 27 years, people have been able to use the trails, visit with the animals and learn about agriculture first hand when visiting the farm.” Discover more about Stonewall Farm.
During its two-year pilot phase, TLC Monadnock will launch campaigns that support businesses, organizations and community initiatives based in Keene, Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Swanzey and Winchester. If successful, we’ll expand access to enterprises throughout the region. Any individual can become a supporter (it doesn’t matter where you live) -- this limit is only for campaign creators. TLC Monadnock is a collective effort of the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Region Planning Commission, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center, Monadnock Buy Local, Hannah Grimes Center and Monadnock Economic Development Corporation. Learn more and sign up for updates from TLC Monadnock. Join the crowd – The Local Crowd Monadnock!
The Local Crowd Monadnock - Keene, NH
