501(c)(3) Formation
We are in the middle of applying for our 501(c)(3) status with the IRS. While we have most of our materials in order, we’re hoping to have a lawyer familiar with nonprofit law look over our Form 1023. If that’s you or someone you know, please reach out to us at [email protected]!
We are also applying for many grants, so if that’s something you excel at and you’d like to lend a hand, please reach out!
Feature Story
STATUS UPDATE
Thank you for following along and supporting the vision of the Kirkland Tool Library! We wanted to drop into your inbox with an update on where things stand, what we’re working on behind the scenes, and how you might be able to help.
The Search For A Home
Finding a physical space remains our single highest priority right now. We are working closely with the City of Kirkland to locate a suitable site. We are just as eager as you are to get the doors open, but securing a permanent home is the essential foundation—it’s difficult to start accepting tool donations or selling memberships until we have a roof over our heads!
We’ve discussed opening up membership sign-ups early as a way to build momentum and show community support. If we did this, the membership clock would not start until the official day we open. Is this something you’d be interested in? Let us know!
Non-profit Status & Fiscal Sponsorship
Tax-deductible donations are coming soon! We now have an official bank account, and thanks to our fiscal sponsor, South King Tool Library (a registered 501(c)(3)), we will soon be able to accept tax-deductible donations and employer-matched contributions.
We are also preparing our Form 1023 application to secure our own independent 501(c)(3) status. We are looking for a volunteer with nonprofit law experience to review our Form 1023 before submission. If you or someone you know can help, please reach out!
Grants
We are actively applying for funding opportunities, including open applications with Whole Foods and Microsoft, with several others on the horizon. If you have experience with grant writing or fundraising and want to help secure funding for our kickoff, we would love to have you on board.
Next City Council Appearance: November 17
We expect to be back on the Kirkland City Council agenda during the November 17th meeting. Public advocacy makes a tremendous difference. Continued expressions of support sent to the council help keep this mission front-and-center for local leadership. You can send a brief note of support anytime to [email protected].
Community Survey
Take our quick, 3–5 minute community survey to tell us what hours work best for you, which tools you’d like to borrow, and what classes or volunteer roles you’re interested in. Your feedback is entirely anonymous and will help us demonstrate local demand as we apply for city grants and plan our launch. 👉 eastside.tools/survey!
Follow Along and Share
Share this newsletter with your friends and share it on your social media accounts. You can also follow along on social media:
Thank you for your ongoing patience and community spirit as we build this together!
- Penny, Judy, Jonathan, and Kurt (ETC board)
