Wish List

The Garage is a dynamic place where there are always new faces, projects, and tools. We work to create an environment where all of these can come together to enable makers every day. Just underneath that exciting forefront, many "boring" or perennial needs persist that, when met, can support smooth operation of the Garage. On this page, in addition to listing broad and general things that would help us pretty much any time, we include more focused items that would help advance our work in new ways. If you would like to contribute anything listed here (or something else you think we could use), please reach out or stop by during open hours.

Basics

Because we have a lot of users with diverse needs, we are always in "maintenance mode" on very basic things like restocking safety supplies, PPE and consumables, and keeping tools in safe and tip-top shape. These are needs that fall within our operating budget and procedures, and we will make purchases of the right things to keep them current. Beyond things that are managed in that way, there are some basics that we are always looking for:

• Suggestions and feedback: The more eyes and minds we harness, the more effective we can be. We encourage you to provide feedback to us. More specifically, we always want feedback on our space, how operations are working, what tools we should add or axe, etc.
• Dimensional lumber and sheet goods: We tend to stock a lot of lumber, and it is frequently used by makers in their projects.

Some other basic items are a little less general than the above, but are "next" on our priority purchase list. Donations of these particular items would be appreciated and would remove them from this list:

• Size XL rubber gloves
• Big wall-mountable TV or two for displaying dashboards
• Buzzer system for garage door - to allow people to signal when they are waiting by the garage door
• New welding mask or masks
• Welding arc shield curtain for our metalworking area

Finally, since we are an alliance of non-profit organizations, we are always looking for additional financial means to pay staff, maintain equipment, and expand general operations. Your financial support can take many meaningful forms:

• One-time donation
• Recurring donation
• Sponsorship

Support for new projects

Up front, there are needs that cut across all new efforts.

• Ideas: We welcome all ideas, both big and small, as long as you can draw a straight line to positive contribution to the Garage. Each of the Committees keeps a backlog of ideas, so participation in a committee is a great place to start. You are also welcome to bring them to a Meeting of the Makers or consult a staff member.
• Volunteers: We have several initiatives that are powered by volunteers; consider volunteering or referring someone to us.

The next are some ideas for things that we would really love to add to the space as time allows:

• Speakers and installation: Gentle background music, depending on the number of users and types of use in the Garage at any given time, can enhance the atmosphere. We have already secured the donation of a receiver-amplifier capable of driving up to 5 speakers, and we have wire on-hand. The most help here would be wall-mounted speakers appropriate for a shop environment.
• A compact coffee maker: The office area would benefit from the addition of a coffee maker.

Additional capabilities

We are strategically interested in the following areas:

• Increased space: We are looking for ways to increase our capabilities by increasing the amount of available space. This would include such things as additional storage, more efficient use of wall space, and additional square footage.
• Metalworking tools: We are looking for strategic upgrades to our metalworking capabilities.