GALA Makerspace Building Campaign

The Seed Was Planted:

Since G.A.L.A.'s very first potluck in 2007, the seed was planted to one day create a space where people could gather in a collaborative working environment with access to tools, equipment, and workshops that help build sustainable, thriving community.  Today, we are closer than ever before to this vision becoming reality, arguably at a time when it needed most. 

The Campaign: $75k in 3 Weeks, $1mil in 3 Years

This crowdfunding kicks off a 3-year capital campaign to raise 1 million dollars; the total project cost of a) purchasing a building, b) designing and renovating the space based on community feedback, and c) furnishing the space with the equipment, tools, and infrastructure resulting fully operating Community Makerspace.

Today, we are more than 80% toward reaching the first milestone – buying the building.    We have a fully executed purchase and sale agreement to purchase 23 Bay St. for $400,000 with a closing date set for September 8, 2017.  

Last week we received the exciting news that G.A.L.A. has been selected among a very competitive grant application process to receive $250,000 from the Northern Borders Regional Commission.  Several very generous supporters and private foundations have already made generous pledges to that positioned G.A.L.A. to receive this grant.  Together, with grant funding and pledges, we have $325,000 available to put toward the building purchase price. 

That leaves three weeks to raise the remaining $75,000 necessary to purchase the building on September 8 - and we can do it!

We have come so very, very far and now it’s up to all of us to leverage this momentum and reach the first major milestone in realizing this long held vision of a Community Makerspace.

Time is ticking.

Just Imagine . . . 

 . . . . a space offering businesses incubator services alongside independent studio time, educational workshops, and a collaborative environment to mature ideas and passions into lasting, viable ventures.  Imagine a Tool Library, Repair Cafe, and Community Bike Share.  The facility at 23 Bay St. is well suited to make all of this possible, and G.A.L.A. is ready for the challenge.

Donate today to have a direct and immediate impact on creating a hub for people of all ages and walks of life to deepen sense of purpose and connection, fine-tune employable skills, prototype or scale up new or existing entrepreneurial ventures, and otherwise move us closer and closer to what it means to live in thriving, creative, resilient community.

This project is a physical representation of G.A.L.A.’s mission to “Strengthen community by bringing people together to discover passions and cultivate skills that enrich rural lives and livelihoods.”  Let’s bring this mission to life.

Donate and Share Today:

Take a moment now to carefully consider your stretch gift and make a donation today.  After you donate, further your impact by sharing this donation page with friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers in the street!   We have three weeks. Ready? Go!