I haven’t updated this blog in a while, but felt I had to share a discovery that combines two of my favorite things: crowd sourcing and castles.

I’ve supported various comic book projects on Kickstarter over the last five years or so. I thought it was a great way to support niche projects that might not otherwise get published. But, just the other day, I saw a blurb on BBC America about how crowdfunding was helping to save a castle (château) in France. It turns out there’s an organization that has been doing this in France since 2015 – Adopte un Château.

I love châteaux! I visited several when I was first traveled to France 17 years ago, including Chambord and Chenonceau. I loved them because they were so opulent and distinguished. They are cultural and historic treasures, and we don’t have anything like it in America.

Adopte un Château claims there are thousands of French castles that have been abandoned and need to be saved. They’ve raised money to start restoration efforts at several dozen locations. What really got me excited was the ability to buy “shares” in one of the current projects – Château La Mothe-Chandeniers.

Built in the 1200s, Château La Mothe-Chandeniers has experienced a lot of turmoil. It was pillaged during the French Revolution and lay abandoned until a wealthy businessman bought it in 1809. However, in 1932, a fire destroyed the castle and many important artifacts, including the library and tapestries. It has been empty ever since. As you can see in the picture, the castle is intact but overgrown. Despite that, I can see the potential in it!

So far, more than 9,000 supporters have donated to the fundraiser. Their support has grown to more than 760,000 Euros (almost $900,000). That’s an average of about 85 Euro per person (or about $100). The fundraiser will continue for another two weeks.

It will cost about 500,000 Euro (almost $600,000) to buy the castle. Another 150,000 Euro ($177,000) will go towards fees and an architectural study. Anything beyond that will be used to start the initial restoration work.

I eagerly donated 50 Euro (about $60) to become a “co-owner” in the castle, and I’ll have a vote in how the restoration project proceeds. I also gave an additional 10 Euro ($12) for a welcome kit that includes a letter and membership card. Another 8 Euro ($10) was added to pay for fees. So for a total of about $82, I’m now a châtelain (castle lord)! It’s located about 3 hours west of Paris. Someday, when Château La Mothe-Chandeniers is fully restored, I’ll be able to visit it and know that I have helped save a piece of French history. I know it will take years and a lot more money, but I’m optimistic. I’m eagerly awaiting my membership kit!

Adopte un Château has several other fundraisers underway at the moment, and I donated smaller amounts of money to them as well. Like with other crowd sourcing projects, rewards include tchotchkes like magnets and postcards. My only complaint is that taxes and fees can take a large part of each donation. For example, with a 15 Euro gift (about $18) only 5 Euro ($6) may actually go towards the project!

Of the other projects, Château de Gizeux caught my eye as well. Located about three hours south-west of Paris, Châteaux de Gizeaux was built about 1300. The large collection of murals, which depict other famous French châteaux, is the most striking feature. Châteaux de Gizeaux is already open to the public and this is the site’s fifth fundraiser. However, the murals are in dire need of restoration. So far, more than 12,000 Euro have been donated (about $14,000) which is enough to start the initial restoration work, although the total price tag is about 33,000 Euro ($40,000). So far, 60 supporters have given an average of 200 Euro each ($240). The project continues for another three weeks. I think my agenda for Paris this spring is already pretty packed, but I’ll certainly visit next time when the murals have been restored!

Dartagnan, the website that hosts the fundraisers, also supports a number of other projects, including museums, parks, and religious sites. Obviously, this model has been successful in France, and I think it should see more widespread use in the United States. There are some “public benefit” projects at Kickstarter, including a skate park and library, but I’m excited about the possibility of supporting more than just comic books. Other websites, such as Spacehive and Citizinvestor, promote local civic projects. However, critics point out that relying on crowdfunding allows politicians to continue shifting the burden for public services to private donors. That’s true, but I still think there’s a place for crowdsourcing when it’s combined with public funding, especially for very large projects, if it’s treated like seed money or matching funds for a public/private partnership. I think it’s a model that could be successful here too.

It’s that time of year when lots of organizations are asking for support, and I know châteaux probably aren’t a high priority for many people. There are a lot of worthy projects here in the United States, and I’ve donated to several local organizations that I support too. But, I’m a francophile and I have a lot of friends who are as well. I’m excited about becoming a châtelain, and I’ll post updates as work on Château de Gizeux and Château La Mothe-Chandeniers progresses. Hopefully, I’ll get to see the results in person!

You can keep up to date on the latest news from Adopte un Château by liking them on Facebook or following them on Instagram.