This page details some aspects of funding at Ace Makerspace.
Core Funding
Ace is member supported. The membership dues that folks pay go to pay the rent, utilities, insurance and so on.
Tool, Area, or Program Funding
We charge an RSVP fee for classes to cover materials and support a specific program. Fees for tool use such as the laser go to maintaining the tool and associated programs.
How we get new tools, machines, and consumables
We have three different methods; donations, crowdfunding, and long-term equipment loans. For more information on Tool Acquisition click here.
Donations
We have been really lucky to be the recipient of many fine donations, such as the woodshop equipment from Zen Toolworks and Stanley Black and Decker.
Long-Term Equipment Loans
We have been very lucky that many members (Dave, Dave, Dave, and more) have loaned Ace Makerspace tools for member use. See Tool Lending for more details
It should be noted that all tools housed in the common spaces are for all members to use. Personal tools should not be stored or kept in common areas at Ace Makerspace. Please use member storage or lockers for personal tools.
Crowdfunding
This is how to buy tools with some but not all support from Ace. When members want a piece of equipment, area upgrades, or program, people may pledge funds to it. If the campaign/acquisition is approved by the board, and the members have raised two thirds of the money required, then Ace will match funds for the remaining third. This model ensures we only spend org funds on things that are truly meaningful for the membership… they prove that when they vote with their dollars.
Crowdfunding for projects and programs works on a slightly different model… we do an evaluation at the beginning of the project and assess where the funds should come from. Most often, projects are 100% crowd-funded, and programs are mostly crowd-funded.
So, you want to raise some money?
Outlined here is the basic workflow for running a crowdfunding campaign at Ace Makerspace.
- Talk about your idea with other members… decide this is a good thing
- Confirm with the steward of the tool, area, or program if applicable
- If you want Ace to match funds, confirm with the [mailto:[email protected] ]that we have the cash for it
- Review the core ”Ace Crowdfunding Campaign Questions ”below.
- Copy the questions into an email and answer them. If you have trouble, ask for help.
- If you can’t get happy images, ask for help from the Marcom team or other members.
- Email your stuff to [email protected]
- Sit back and watch the magic while the money comes to fund your awesome idea
Crowdfunding Campaign Questions
- What is the purpose of your fundraising campaign?
- How long after receiving funds will your goal be achieved?
- How much labor is involved in achieving your goal?
- What are potential costs outside of primary materials or tool acquisition? (Shipping, delivery, professional installation, etc.)?
- Does your estimate include a base set of consumables? (provide detail)
- Does your project/goal require matching funds (33%) from Ace? (Y/N)
- How will members engage with your project, program, or tool?
- How much maintenance will your project, program, or tool require?
- Do you have images or videos to support your campaign? (please attach to the email)
How Marcom helps you crowdfund
- We take the doc you sent us and do the following (maybe some more stuff too).
- Wordsmith the info in the interview doc to produce
- Badass headline
- 3 tweets
- 1 Blog Post
- Tilt copy
- 1 blurb for calendar flyer
- Go through the images provide and or research the images to produce;
- 3 twitter images (440×220)
- Tilt hero image
- Blog post Images
- We then post and publish to the following places
- Post to Ace Makerspace Blog
- Set up Tilt
- Add a link to tilt to Ace Makerspace blog Post and vice versa
- Post Tilt.com campaign on Facebook
- Tweet the tweets (scheduling via hoot suit)
- Monitor and promote as is a good idea
- Wordsmith the info in the interview doc to produce