Crowdfunding platforms make it possible for individuals and organizations of any size to harness social networks and raise start-up capital for projects that might otherwise fail due to lack of funding. Each week, Xpress highlights notable Western North Carolina crowdsourcing initiatives that may inspire readers to become new faces in the crowd.
START FROM SEED OFFICE SPACE
In three years, Start From Seed doula and child education services has worked with more than 250 families to provide “healthier, more satisfying births.” The nonprofit organization, predominantly staffed by volunteers, supports women with low incomes and health conditions and offers services including childbirth education classes, breastfeeding classes, doula trainings and prenatal meetings. Start From Seed aims to raise $10,500 by Saturday, Nov. 22, to move from a poorly maintained office and cover a year’s rent at an improved space on Merrimon Avenue.
BLUE RIDGE TREKS LAND
Blue Ridge Treks, a self-described “experiential therapy program designed to enhance physical and psychological wellness in the Blue Ridge Mountains,” currently operates from an office in downtown Asheville. However, co-founders and licensed therapists Joe Early and Alex Hersey believe that the company’s mission of providing experiential and outdoor therapeutic services would be better accomplished in a more natural, off-the-path setting. Blue Ridge Treks aims to raise $3,000 by Monday, Nov. 24, to put a down payment on a piece of land that will provide the organization with suitable outdoor access and storage space.
Send your crowdsourcing campaign news to kmcreynolds@mountainx.com. A limited number of campaigns will be highlighted each week, at Xpress‘ discretion. Campaigns must be locally based and should represent a current project with an achievable goal. Conditions are subject to change.
Read about more WNC campaigns here.
