The Local Crowd Monadnock (TLC Monadnock), a community-based crowdfunding program, launched two campaigns this month. One for Orchard Hill Breadworks in Alstead and the other for the Monadnock Energy Hub -- a regional network focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Learn more about these two campaigns and support them today. Whether you give $5 or $500, it all comes together to help make our community more local, green and fair!
The Orchard Hill Breadworks campaign is well on its way to meeting its fundraising goal of $12,750 to purchase a hand-built stone mill from New American Stone Mills in Elmore, Vermont. This Vermont-quarried granite mill will allow Orchard Hill Breadworks to bake with freshly milled whole grain flour. Stone milling flour, rather than roller milling (a method used in many large-scale flour operations) better preserves key nutrients and results in a better-for-you bread.
The bakery launched its campaign on September 3 with a Pizza Night Fundraiser that brought in nearly $4,000 -- enough for Orchard Hill Breadworks to put a down payment on the stone mill. As I write this article, their fundraising total surpassed $10,000. Just 20% more to go!
“In communities all across America, bakeries are introducing their customers to the increased nutritional value and flavor of baked goods made with freshly milled flour,” said Noah Elbers, owner of Orchard Hill Breadworks. “We hope to provide our community with a better tasting, more nutritious loaf while also bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.”
Visit the Orchard Hill Breadworks campaign page at http://c-fund.us/mqq. Give at certain levels and claim a great reward (or two) while they last. Rewards include a Whole Grain Loaf of the Month Club, Bread Making Workshop, Pizza Party and more. This crowdfunding campaign ends on October 3.
Fast Charge Monadnock aims to lower greenhouse gases and increase regional sustainable living by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure -- like charging stations. Support their effort to bring the first EV Fast Charger to the region, located at the Monadnock Food Co-op. An EV Fast Charger means a fully electric vehicle can recharge its batteries in 20-40 minutes (compared to 6+ hours on level 2 chargers available around Keene). This project will encourage more zero emission vehicles to use our roadways, reducing our regional greenhouse gas emissions and increasing our regional sustainability. “Electric vehicles sales are rising with new car announcements coming almost monthly; drive ranges are lengthening as battery prices drop and technology improves,” said Mary Ewell, Coordinator of Monadnock Energy Hub. “These aren’t just luxury vehicles either -- many are priced in line with new gasoline vehicles and highly economical when the federal tax credit and minimal maintenance costs are entered into the equation.”
Visit the Fast Charge Monadnock campaign page at http://c-fund.us/mne. This campaign also offers rewards for giving at certain levels such as gift cards from The Works Café and Monadnock Food Co-op. Their crowdfunding campaign ends on October 14.
Watch for more crowdfunding campaigns launching in October including a campaign from Mudita Massage & Wellness to support their Yoga for Addiction Recovery program and our own campaign to support this year’s Plaid Friday and Cider Monday campaigns. We’ll also announce projects coming later this fall focusing on affordable housing, sustainable agriculture and equity. Please stay tuned: tlcmonadnock.com.
TLC Monadnock is a community-based crowdfunding platform that empowers individuals to support the businesses, organizations and initiatives that grow wealthier and healthier communities in our region. Crowdfunding, or the practice of raising funds to support a project from a large number of people, is a viable alternative to recruiting businesses from outside the region to boost economic activity. TLC Monadnock is currently hosted by Monadnock Food Co-op and supported by the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce, Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center and Monadnock Economic Development Corporation. Have questions, please contact me at monadnockbuylocal@gmail.com or 603-499-7950.
The Local Crowd Monadnock - Keene, NH
