SUPPORT BRIGHTWORKS
Help Build Brightworks from the Ground Up
Brightworks is a nonprofit makerspace being built for Ridgewood and surrounding neighborhoods - a place where people of all ages can learn to design, fabricate, and build with confidence.
We are currently in our pre-launch phase: securing space, building partnerships, developing curriculum, and assembling the tools that will power the workshop floor.
Your support helps establish the financial foundation required to open responsibly and sustainably.
Our Commitment to Donor Intent: Unless otherwise specified by the donor and formally accepted by Brightworks in writing, contributions are treated as unrestricted and used where they are most needed to advance our mission. In circumstances where a designated initiative is fully funded or no longer feasible, Brightworks may redirect funds to a closely related purpose consistent with donor intent and mission advancement.
Anchor Builder
Limited Institutional Support (1–3 Supporters)
Brightworks welcomes up to three Anchor Builders who wish to provide significant early-stage support during launch.
Commitment options:
$500/month
for 12 months
OR
$15,000+
one-time contribution
Anchor Builder contributions are considered unrestricted operating support unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Anchor Builders receive:
- Same benefits as Founding 100 Member level Platinum - plus
- Prominent recognition within the physical space (optional)
- Annual private strategy briefing
- Recognition in Brightworks’ annual report
- Early access to major milestones and site walkthroughs
Board membership is not automatic and follows formal governance procedures.
The Founding 100 Builders
A Limited Founding Cohort
Brightworks is inviting 100 founding members to provide predictable support during our launch phase.
Founding Members commit to 12 months of support at one of the following levels and may choose either recurring monthly contributions or a single annual payment:
| Tier | Monthly | Annual (One-Time Option) |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | $35/month | $420 |
| Gold | $75/month | $900 |
| Platinum | $150/month | $1,800 |
Founding support strengthens Brightworks’ launch readiness, including:
Preparing pilot programming
Investing in fabrication equipment
Developing curriculum
Securing and preparing a physical space
Founding Memberships are limited to 100 participants.
Become a Founding MemberFounding Member Benefits
| Benefit | Silver | Gold | Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recognition on Founding 100 webpage (optional) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Quarterly progress briefings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early workshop registration access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invitation to Founding Member preview event | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early notification when memberships open | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Priority enrollment access to a limited number of memberships upon launch | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Name included on physical Founding Wall (optional) | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Invitation to annual Founding Roundtable session | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Early access to limited-seat pilot workshops | — | ✓ | ✓ |
| Small-group pre-launch site walkthrough | — | — | ✓ |
| Private strategy briefing with founder (pre-launch) | — | — | ✓ |
Builder Circle
Ongoing Community Support
The Builder Circle is Brightworks’ ongoing community of supporters and remains open year-round.
Suggested levels (monthly or one-time):
| $15/month | Community Builder |
|---|---|
| $35/month | Workshop Supporter |
| $75/month | Fabrication Champion |
| Or choose a custom amount |
Builder Circle contributions are treated as unrestricted support and allow Brightworks to allocate funds where they are most needed to advance our mission.
Tools and Technology Fund
Support Equipment and Workshop Infrastructure
Contributions to the Tools and Technology Fund support the acquisition and maintenance of fabrication equipment and workshop infrastructure.
Examples include:
- 3D printers
- Laser cutters
- CAD workstations
- Hand and power tools
- Material stock
- Safety and ventilation equipment
Fund Priorities
Tools and Equipment
Digital Devices/Equipment
Digital Resources
Software, Licenses
Infrastructure
Workstations, Materials, etc...
Designated gifts to this category will be used to advance equipment acquisition, materials, and related workspace needs.
Support Tools and TechnologyAccess and Scholarship Fund
Expand Participation
Brightworks is committed to ensuring cost is never the barrier to participation.
The Access & Scholarship Fund supports scholarships, sliding-scale access, and mission-aligned participation initiatives. If program needs evolve over time, funds may be applied to closely related access or educational purposes consistent with donor intent.
Suggested giving levels:
| $50 | Materials Sponsor |
|---|---|
| $150 | Workshop Access Sponsor |
| $500 | Program Sponsor |
| $1,200 | Annual Access Sponsor |
| $5000 | Community Scholarship Sponsor |
| Or choose a custom amount |
Corporate & In-Kind Partnerships
Build With Us
Brightworks welcomes partnerships with local businesses, engineering firms, manufacturers, and technology companies that believe in hands-on education and community skill development.
Corporate and in-kind contributions are structured through written agreements to ensure alignment, clarity, and compliance.
We are especially interested in support related to digital fabrication tools, software licensing, computers, and workshop infrastructure.