Crowdfund these Pittsburgh projects now!

In this installment of our roundups of crowdfunding campaigns we showcase six projects, from bras designed by women engineers to an organization that refurbishes computers to benefit nonprofits and a local cycling club.

Trusst Lingerie

88% of $25,000 goal with 27 days to go (as of 4/24)

We wrote about Trusst Lingerie back in February which inspired many of you to sign up to be testers of this line of re-engineered bras. Here’s some great news: after over a year of design and testing, Trusst is ready to launch its first line using its patent-pending design. Spanning 42 sizes from E to K cups in three different styles, the bras are both feminine and functional. The Trusst team has already raised over 88% of its goal after only a couple of days on Kickstarter—underscoring the demand for a bra that actually provides support. “It is wonderful to hear women reach out to us saying that this is the product they have been waiting for all of their lives,” says Sophie Berman, Trusst co-founder. Check out the teaser the team released the day before their Kickstarter launched—a humorous look at the problem big-busted women face—then give support to “the world’s favorite assets.”

Paddle Without Pollution

5% of $8,000 goal with 37 days to go (as of 4/24)

Our rivers are one of our most valuable assets and Paddle Without Pollution has been tirelessly cleaning up our waterways—removing over 42 tons of litter in three years. From April to October every year, volunteers using kayaks, canoes and paddle boards traverse our rivers, creeks and lakes, picking up debris and illegally dumped garbage. The organization is raising funds to support the 14 cleanup events they will be launching this year. The work that Paddle Without Pollution does allows the rest of us to enjoy our beautiful waterways—let’s give them our support!

Computer Reach

56% of $7,500 goal with 27 days to go (as of 4/24)

Up to 50 million metric tons of e-waste—computers, phones, parts—go to our landfills each year, the fastest growing municipal waste stream in America. A lot of this “waste” is not waste at all and can be recovered, refurbished and reused. Considering the fact that a large percentage of the population (both in the U.S. and abroad) lack access to computers, preventing computers from going to waste is an imperative. That’s the mission of Computer Reach which refurbished more than 350 computers last year, sending them to organizations all over the world. We need to support this worthy cause and there is no reason why they shouldn’t reach their humble $7,500 goal.

Deutschtown Music Festival

2% of $10,000 goal with 46 days to go (as of April 24)

The Deutschtown Music Festival is one of the best events that showcases this little enclave on the Northside. With over 100 musical acts at 15 venues, festival-goers can roam the streets, listen to music, enjoy great food and take in the neighborhood’s distinct character. Foreland and Middle Streets host the main stages and other venues include Wigle Whiskey’s Barrel House, James St. Gastropub, The Warhol Museum and the Allegheny Elks Lodge. The festival offers something to do for everyone with artist exhibitions, a pop-up pinball arcade and kids’ activities.

The Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club

87% of $2,000 goal with 47 days to go (as of April 24)

Pittsburgh is emerging to be a major cycling town—in spite of our unlikely topography. Aside from advocating for sustainable and accessible transportation in our city, BikePGH’s work also has significant impact in making Pittsburgh a healthier and happier city. The Pittsburgh Major Taylor Cycling Club is driving change in a much needed way, promoting cycling to “communities disproportionately affected by health issues.” For its work, the Pricewaterhouse Foundation has awarded 83 bikes to the organization. The challenge now? hey have to transport these bikes from Atlanta to Pittsburgh. They are so close to their goal—let’s help them in the final stretch!

74%

34% of $3,500 goal with 49 days to go (as of April 24)

We’ve written about the pay equity gap here and here. And we’ll keep on writing about it until that gap is closed. The Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management has been working to advocate and raise awareness for the $.25 pay gap between men and women in the nonprofit sector—and they are raising funds to publish a book about their findings. Women make up 73% of the nonprofit workforce and yet get paid less than their male counterparts. The 74% Project promotes change and brings attention to this glaring inequality.

Other worthy projects seeking your support:

The arts: Mayoral Ink is a collection of editorial cartoons depicting Pittsburgh’s mayors by local cartoonist Rob Rogers. And the Union Project Clay Case will bring ceramics programming out of the studio and into the classrooms.

Food projects: Black Forge Coffee House brings a community gathering place to Allentown while the people behind cult favorite Pierogi Night are finally opening their own restaurant, Apteka. And finally, there’s small-batch ice cream maker Millie’s Ice Cream which is raising funds for their own pasteurizer.