To make that possible in our upcoming Reuse Commons Lake City space, we are asking you to join us by supporting our first Community Tool Chest fundraiser running from June 4 to July 10.
Your gift to the Community Tool Chest will allow us to increase our class offerings in this new space and offer those classes at a reduced cost. We are so proud of our work reducing waste, empowering a local sharing economy, and strengthening community through classes and events. Now we have the opportunity to expand access in Lake City. Will you join us?
The Opportunity
Across our community, there is growing interest in learning practical, hands-on skills such as sewing, mending, tool repair, and gardening, with a focus on fixing what is broken instead of replacing it. These were once everyday skills, passed down from elders, shared across kitchen tables, and learned alongside neighbors. You can help us rebuild those knowledge threads through our class offerings.
The Goal
Our goal is to raise $7,000 to launch our additional class offerings. Your gift will make it possible to provide:
- 30 additional sustainable skill-sharing classes across four key topic areas (gardening/food preservation, sewing/mending, tool repair, woodworking)
- Classes led by experienced local instructors who are compensated at $250 per class
- Classes offered at $10 per student to increase access for all community members regardless of income. (Class fees will help cover operating expenses and staff time.)
Class fees will continue to help cover space, operating expenses, and staff time. The Community Tool Chest fund ensures that instructors are compensated fairly and consistently as we scale up our offerings, honoring the value of their knowledge.
The Impact
These classes are more than workshops. They are spaces where neighbors learn from one another and rebuild a culture of shared skills. Your gift will fill our new Lake City space with learning, creativity, and connection that keeps our community resilient. If you are able to make a donation, please check Charity Navigator to see if your employer participates in an Employee Match Program, which could potentially double your donation.
If a financial gift is not in reach right now, please consider sharing this exciting opportunity with a friend. We value all of the ways you support Seattle REconomy.
FAQ
Q: What is the Community Tool Chest?
A: The Community Tool Chest is an incredible way for the Seattle REconomy community to meet specific community needs by sharing abundance. Your gift to the Community Tool Chest will grow our impact in tangible ways, funding one-time needs that increase our capacity to serve our community for the long haul.
Q: Where will my donation go?
A: Your generous donation will be going directly to equitably compensating our expert instructors and lowering the cost to attend classes at our pilot location in Lake City for all. Thank you for investing in this effort!
Q: What is the city’s investment, and how are we augmenting their contribution?
A: The city has generously made available this space, a staff member, and other program support, such as class materials and all other costs. This is allowing us to run classes at a highly subsidized rate of just $10 a class, so it is accessible to everyone.
Q: What will you do with any money that surpasses the goal?
A: All of the money raised during the fundraising period beyond the goal will remain in the Community Tool Chest to fund future needs for our community.
Q: If the city is covering so much, why are you charging $10 a class?
A: A lot goes into the hosting of workshops. We need to pay the instructors as well as a staff member, rent, and overhead to maintain our equipment, tools, and supplies. We find that when we charge at least a minimal fee, folks show up for the classes. This money will also help support the free events and workshops that we host, such as the Fix-It events and mending circles.
Q: Will all the classes offered at the Reuse Commons Lake City be $10 each?
A: All of the classes funded by the Community Tool Chest will be $10, though we may have other events or workshops that are free or are priced on our sliding scale if they are not covered by this fund or the city’s contributions.
Q: What if an instructor chooses not to be paid?
A: Sometimes instructors choose to donate their instructor fee back to Seattle REconomy. We are so grateful to those who do! However, we know not every instructor is able to do that. Providing fair compensation to our instructors for their knowledge and hard work creates an equitable experience for all.
