More Than Words
More Than Words (MTW), a nonprofit social enterprise, prepares vulnerable youth to be responsible, productive members of the community by empowering them to run a bookselling business. To reach even more kids, the organization needed funds to transform their existing site in Boston’s South End neighborhood.
Through a unique collaboration between MassDevelopment and the crowdfunding platform Patronicity, a Commonwealth Places campaign was launched—an initiative that combines the power of crowdfunding with creative placemaking.
The campaign exceeded its goal to raise $50,000, earning a $50,000 matching grant from MassDevelopment. MTW increased its goal to $75,000 in crowdfunding contributions, bringing in a final total of $80,361 from 187 donors. The newly expanded facility opened with a fully stocked bookstore, community event space for readings and screenings, and a marketplace featuring items made by other mission-driven organizations.
