Honey Bee Meadow in Maynard Launches Commonwealth Places Crowdfunding Campaign
$6,500 goal to win matching grant through MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places Initiative
October 3, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Meggie Quackenbush, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2011 & 857-208-2777 (cell)
mquackenbush@massdevelopment.com
Jonathan Berk, Patronicity, 617-750-6008
jonathan@Patronicity.com
Melissa Ljosa, Maynard Honey Bee Meadow, 978-604-6759
melissa@ljosa.com
MassDevelopment and the founders of the Maynard Honey Bee Meadow today announced a new campaign through the civic crowdfunding platform Patronicity and the Commonwealth Places initiative. The campaign will support the creation of a bee sanctuary; efforts to educate people about threats to honeybees, including their recent addition to the Endangered Species List; and the creation of a beautiful, wild visitors space. The meadow’s library will provide visitors with opportunities to borrow books about bees and beekeeping, while benches will provide an opportunity to relax and be inspired. To read more about the campaign and to donate, click here.
If the campaign reaches its crowdfunding goal of $6,500 by November 17, 2016 at midnight, the project will win a matching grant with funds from MassDevelopment’s Commonwealth Places program.
“Honey bees are an integral part of our ecosystem, and we’re pleased to work with Patronicity and the Maynard Honey Bee Meadow on efforts to protect the species and inform the public,” said MassDevelopment Vice President of Real Estate Amanda Maher. “With support from Maynard residents and visitors, we look forward to investing in this exciting educational space.”
This project will provide much-needed space for the residents of Maynard to learn about the impacts of honey bees and appreciate the vibrant culture and creativity that thrives in the surrounding Maynard Cultural District.
“We have the opportunity to add some valuable green space to the town of Maynard as well as educate this generation and future generations about how important it is to keep and protect honey bees,” said Melissa Ljosa, co-founder of the Maynard Honey Bee Meadow.
Commonwealth Places is a collaborative effort from MassDevelopment and Patronicity that leverages public support for placemaking projects through crowdfunding and a matching grant from MassDevelopment. The program engages residents in the development of strategic projects in their towns and cities. Communities, nonprofits and other entities can learn more and apply at www.massdevelopment.com/commonwealthplaces.
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2016, MassDevelopment financed or managed 352 projects generating investment of more than $4 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are projected to create about 8,200 jobs and build or rehabilitate about 4,200 residential units.
