Kwartzlab Expansion Plan - Revision history

Dscassel at 23:25, 21 May 2012

2012-05-21T23:25:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:25, 21 May 2012
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	We will eventually be gentrified out of our current space; not immediately, but in a few years.		We will eventually be gentrified out of our current space; not immediately, but in a few years.
−	Darcy has compiled a wish list for the new space we will eventually move to~~; that should be added here~~.	+	Darcy has [[Ideal Kwartzlab\|compiled a wish list for the new space we will eventually move to]].

	When we talk to the cities about real estate options, I'd like to promote a vision of a KW Artz Centre,		When we talk to the cities about real estate options, I'd like to promote a vision of a KW Artz Centre,

Doug.moen: /* Goals */

2012-05-21T13:12:27Z

Goals

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:12, 21 May 2012
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	* '''More members''': 100+ members		* '''More members''': 100+ members
	* '''Cheaper membership''': the monthly dues should be no more than $20/month, ideally less.		* '''Cheaper membership''': the monthly dues should be no more than $20/month, ideally less.
−	* A '''diversified revenue stream'''. Operating costs are not paid solely by membership dues.	+	* A '''diversified revenue stream'''. Operating costs are not paid solely by membership dues. Self sufficiency remains an important goal.
	* A part time, paid '''Executive Director''' who offloads administrative tasks from the volunteer Board of Directors		* A part time, paid '''Executive Director''' who offloads administrative tasks from the volunteer Board of Directors
	* We will continue to be a co-operative, member-run makerspace, providing an open access community workshop, a social space, and a meeting place		* We will continue to be a co-operative, member-run makerspace, providing an open access community workshop, a social space, and a meeting place

Doug.moen: /* Goals */

2012-05-21T13:10:57Z

Goals

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:10, 21 May 2012
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	== Goals ==		== Goals ==
	This plan will endow Kwartzlab with the following characteristics:		This plan will endow Kwartzlab with the following characteristics:
−	* '''A better space''': as big or bigger than what we currently have, ideally at a better location where all members feel safe, in a building with good neighbours who share our ~~ethics~~ and interests	+	* '''A better space''': as big or bigger than what we currently have, ideally at a better location where all members feel safe, in a building with good neighbours who share our values and interests
	* '''Better tools''': A full set of high quality maker tools, including a full digital fabrication/CNC lab. MIT FabLab and TechShop are models.		* '''Better tools''': A full set of high quality maker tools, including a full digital fabrication/CNC lab. MIT FabLab and TechShop are models.
	* A full calendar of high quality '''courses and workshops'''. Many of these will cost money to attend.		* A full calendar of high quality '''courses and workshops'''. Many of these will cost money to attend.

Doug.moen: /* The Plan */

2012-05-20T21:11:40Z

The Plan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:11, 20 May 2012
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	# become self sufficient		# become self sufficient

		+	=== Step 1: Fundraising ===
	The first step is to get institutional support. This will be easier if we have clear goals, a plan, if we know exactly what to ask for and why.		The first step is to get institutional support. This will be easier if we have clear goals, a plan, if we know exactly what to ask for and why.

Doug.moen: /* The Plan */

2012-05-20T21:09:30Z

The Plan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 20 May 2012
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	* Approach the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and see what kind of assistance they can offer. In particular, ask for some sort of deal for subsidized real estate, which is something that other local non-profits have received.		* Approach the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and see what kind of assistance they can offer. In particular, ask for some sort of deal for subsidized real estate, which is something that other local non-profits have received.
	* Solicit corporate sponsorships.		* Solicit corporate sponsorships.
		+	* Can the universities help us?

	Mark Pitcher is working on a Trillium grant proposal for the July 1 deadline. We'll ask for:		Mark Pitcher is working on a Trillium grant proposal for the July 1 deadline. We'll ask for:

Doug.moen: /* The Plan */

2012-05-20T21:05:58Z

The Plan

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:05, 20 May 2012
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	** different yearly price levels: silver, gold, platinum		** different yearly price levels: silver, gold, platinum
	** different benefits: eg, member benefits for a certain number of company employees		** different benefits: eg, member benefits for a certain number of company employees
−	* approach hardware stores: donations of tools or materials	+	* approach hardware stores: donations of tools or materials, gift certificates for purchase of same
	* approach tech companies		* approach tech companies
		+	** RIM has some empty buildings. Can we have one?

	At some point, not soon, we may decide to acquire charitable status, in order to make it easier to get donations.		At some point, not soon, we may decide to acquire charitable status, in order to make it easier to get donations.

Doug.moen: /* The Plan */

2012-05-20T20:46:52Z

The Plan

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:46, 20 May 2012
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	The first step is to get institutional support. This will be easier if we have clear goals, a plan, if we know exactly what to ask for and why.		The first step is to get institutional support. This will be easier if we have clear goals, a plan, if we know exactly what to ask for and why.
		+
		+	Since the results are uncertain, we should approach multiple different institutions in parallel, and see what works.
		+	* Apply for a Trillium grant
		+	* Apply for grants from other funding agencies, as Trillium isn't the only one
		+	* Leverage our contacts at CEEO and CTT, show them our plan, and see how they can help
		+	* Approach the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and see what kind of assistance they can offer. In particular, ask for some sort of deal for subsidized real estate, which is something that other local non-profits have received.
		+	* Solicit corporate sponsorships.

	Mark Pitcher is working on a Trillium grant proposal for the July 1 deadline. We'll ask for:		Mark Pitcher is working on a Trillium grant proposal for the July 1 deadline. We'll ask for:
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	* funds for hiring an Executive Director, part time		* funds for hiring an Executive Director, part time

−	~~There is no guarantee we'll get a Trillium grant. We need to try multiple strategies, and see which one works.~~	+	Here are some ideas about corporate sponsorships:
−		+	* corporate sponsors get their logo on our web home page
−	~~We should approach the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo, and see what kind of assistance they can offer.~~	+	* solicit tool donations or donations for tool purchases
−	~~In particular, if we can make~~ some ~~sort of deal for subsidized real estate, which is something that other non-profits have received.~~	+	** a donated tool has a plaque indicating the corporate donor
−		+
−	~~Talk to other funding agencies, such as CEEO and CTT.~~	+
−		+
−	~~Solicit~~ corporate sponsorships.	+
−	* solicit tool donations	+
	* sell corporate memberships		* sell corporate memberships
−	* approach hardware stores	+	** different yearly price levels: silver, gold, platinum
		+	** different benefits: eg, member benefits for a certain number of company employees
		+	* approach hardware stores: donations of tools or materials
	* approach tech companies		* approach tech companies

Doug.moen: /* Goals */

2012-05-20T14:23:23Z

Goals

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:23, 20 May 2012
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	* '''A better space''': as big or bigger than what we currently have, ideally at a better location where all members feel safe, in a building with good neighbours who share our ethics and interests		* '''A better space''': as big or bigger than what we currently have, ideally at a better location where all members feel safe, in a building with good neighbours who share our ethics and interests
	* '''Better tools''': A full set of high quality maker tools, including a full digital fabrication/CNC lab. MIT FabLab and TechShop are models.		* '''Better tools''': A full set of high quality maker tools, including a full digital fabrication/CNC lab. MIT FabLab and TechShop are models.
−	* A full calendar of high quality '''courses and workshops'''. Many of these will cost money.	+	* A full calendar of high quality '''courses and workshops'''. Many of these will cost money to attend.
	* '''More members''': 100+ members		* '''More members''': 100+ members
	* '''Cheaper membership''': the monthly dues should be no more than $20/month, ideally less.		* '''Cheaper membership''': the monthly dues should be no more than $20/month, ideally less.

Doug.moen: /* The Plan */

2012-05-20T14:19:02Z

The Plan

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:19, 20 May 2012
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	* approach tech companies		* approach tech companies

−	At some point, we may decide to acquire charitable status, in order to make it easier to get donations.	+	At some point, not soon, we may decide to acquire charitable status, in order to make it easier to get donations.

	== A Better Space ==		== A Better Space ==

Doug.moen: /* Other Maker Organizations who have Made This Transition */

2012-05-20T14:17:22Z

Other Maker Organizations who have Made This Transition

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:17, 20 May 2012
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	* ~100 members		* ~100 members
	* dues are $110/year (~$10 per month)		* dues are $110/year (~$10 per month)
−	* > 6000 sq ft, a huge number of tools	+	* ~6000 sq ft, a huge number of tools
	* rent paid by cities of Kitchener and Waterloo		* rent paid by cities of Kitchener and Waterloo