Gardens committee turn to internet fund sources

October 10th, 2013
[by David Armstrong]

The internet-savvy committee of the Motueka Community Gardens are turning to a novel source of funds to cover and complete its glasshouse - 'Crowd Funding' via the Kiwi website, PledgeMe.

They want to build a tunnel house to extend their growing season. They are building a glasshouse, but need about $1,500 to complete the project.

They were donated the structure of the glasshouse, but to pay for untreated macrocarpa for the raised beds being built inside it, plus drainage, covering, tap fittings, nails, and so on, they need further help.

Although the gardens were initially set up in 2010 using some Tasman District Council environmental education funding and with the Council-owned spare land thrown in, further money from Council is not available. (History here).

So the committee decided to try what may be a first for Motueka - to try to raise funds through pledges made on a website by philanthropists or anyone around the world who likes the idea of supporting such a venture.

In Crowd Funding (or Crowd Sourcing) a project is successful when it reaches or exceeds the funding goal by the deadline set by the project creator. The Community Gardens' goal is $1500 to be raised within 32 days.

After the deadline is met, the pledges are processed and passed on to the creator of the project, minus the PledgeMe fees. If a project is not successful and doesn't reach its funding goal, the pledges aren't charged to the supporters of the project.

At the time of writing three pledges have been made already. You can help by going to this web page and following the simple instructions to make a pledge of $5 upward. You can also receive a small reward for your pledge.

The Motueka Community Gardens have grown significantly in size and operation over the past three years. This has included the low-cost rental of plots for private allotments, plus many basic facilities such as sheds, irrigation, tools and - yes - scarecrows.

Currently the communal garden beds have raised beds, erected quickly from recycled materials when the gardens began, that look like the photo on the left.

"But it's not ideal. The tiles have sharp edges, and keep pushing out, needing re-staking," says gardens chairwoman Tara Forde. "We want to have our raised beds using untreated macrocarpa, which will mean less maintenance for us, and no chemicals in the gardens."

This can be seen in the photo on the right, which shows the structure of the glasshouse at present. "We need to buy a cover, to keep the plants warm," Tara says. "Having the money to finish off the glasshouse would mean prolonging the growing season by early sowings and later croppings. And hotter chillies!"

She says the PledgeMe website provides "a collaborative way to fund creative projects. It's for anyone who has an idea they want to see happen, and just as importantly, give support to those who wish to contribute to the success of a project.

"Lots of people have come on tours throughout the gardens, have admired the sunflowers as they walk around the inlet track, shared a BBQ, pitched in on working bees, and helped celebrate occasions down at the gardens.

The gardens are doing some great work spreading the enthusiasm of gardening throughout the region. We work in with other community gardens, hosting tours and giving talks about community gardens. So now we are asking for your help."

Comment by Beth Bryant:
[Posted 14 October 2013]

Another way to raise funds is to look on the 'Fund it' website. This website is available free at the Library and at TDC, Richmond office. You put in what you want to fund and it comes back with where funds are available for your cause - if there are some! Good Luck.

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