crescent funded projects
We’re looking for ideas that promote health, commerce and the community. Learn what kinds of projects benefit this “triple bottom-line” and the different ways of returning the cash infusion through time, talent or treasure.
Past Investments
In March 2009, the Crescent Fund’s first formal cash infusions were dispersed to CCFM vendor Shirley Randon, the NolaCycle Bike Map Project, and Rusted Up Beyond All Recognition Bikes (RUBARB). Shirley Randon used the money to haul away greenhouses destroyed in a snow storm. NolaCycle Bike Map Project printed a map of the city’s safest cycle routes. And RUBARB bought parts and supplies for their Upper 9th Ward shop, which provides bicycle repairs and training to area kids.
Invest in a market vendor
We want to see our vendors grow their businesses. For example, flower vendor Shirley Randon needed $350 to haul away five greenhouses that were destroyed in a December 2008 snowstorm. Once the debris is removed, she can install new greenhouses at her White Oak Farm and increase her production of flowers.
How does Shirley pay back the community?
Each recipient of a Crescent Fund cash infusion can repay the money with either time (volunteering at the market), talent (sharing a special skill) or treasure (returning the money). Shirley offered to donate her flowers to the Crescent City Farmers Market for future events and fundraisers.
Invest in a shopper
We want to enrich the lives of market shoppers. NolaCycle requested money from the Crescent Fund to print color maps of safe cycle routes through the city.
How does NolaCycle benefit market shoppers?
NolaCycle will create a custom map of suggested bike routes to the Crescent City Farmers Market. The group also offered to visit the market and answer questions about cycling in New Orleans.
Invest in a community
We want the Crescent Fund to improve the wider community’s quality of life. Rusted Up Beyond All Recognition Bikes (RUBARB), for example, is a bike shop and community center in the Upper 9th Ward. They provide bikes to neighborhood youth, teach them bike maintenance and offer field trips and other activities. RUBARB requested a cash infusion to buy supplies, repair its shop and offer additional field trips.
How will RUBARB return the cash infusion?
The group will host monthly workshops at the Saturday market to teach safe cycling and basic bike maintenance. At the workshops, they will also raffle off bike accessories and tools to market shoppers.