Let's get to the next level...

We've reached our basic goal of $35,000 to keep the Tool Library open. But with the momentum of this campaign, we want to do more than just survive. Help us get to the next level to expand our programs & spaces. 

Check out the stretch goals below and donate to get new rewards & giveaway prizes, including winning a trip to Niagara on the Lake:

Who We Are

At the Institute for a Resource-Based Economy (IRBE), the non-profit organization behind the Toronto Tool Library and Sharing Depot, we know what it takes to have a successful sharing project.

In just 5 years, we have established the largest Tool Library network on the planet with three Tool Library locations, two Sharing Depot branches, a community Makerspace and a weekly Repair Cafe. We have hosted the largest swapping events in the city and and welcomed global leaders to speak on zero waste, building  community and a new sharing economy to Toronto audiences!

Since opening our doors, we have:

• Built a community of nearly 5,000 members
• Loaned over 65,000 tools
• Amassed 10,000 inventory items, from tools to camping equipment
• Helped dozens of Tool Libraries launch around the world
• Gained extensive media coverage, nationally and internationally

Our Challenge

2017 was a tough year and we need your help to keep sharing in Toronto. As a non-profit organization, we’ve been hit by several challenges:

• Grants: We applied for several grants, but unfortunately weren't successful last year. In fact, there are very few grants for non-profits that are not charities (which we're not).
• Permits: Unexpected City permitting issues have left us in a precarious situation with unavoidable costs.
• Rent in Toronto is high (as we're sure you know) and costs us almost $100,000 per year.
• Basic Salaries total just $140,000 per year for our entire operating staff, including senior staff, program staff and Tool Ninjas, while supported by our network of volunteers!

The Breakdown of our costs:

The Solution

Our goal of $35,000 will not only solve our financial crisis, but will keep our project growing. These funds will help renovate our Danforth location,  launch a new series of home improvement workshops such as basic tiling, plumbing and electrical, as well as expand our inventory across all three locations across the city.

Check out this video to learn more about the project and our impact:

The Rewards

To show our deep gratitude, we've got some incredible rewards for you, including memberships, Tool Ninja sessions and giveaways.

Check out all the rewards ------------->

Party Time: At the $10 reward level, get an invite to our five-year anniversary party and crowdfund celebration on February 22nd, 2018. Details in our crowdfund updates.

Workshops: At the $25 reward level, get 1 voucher for any workshop at our Makerspace in 2018, including woodworking, laser cutting or 3D printing.

SPECIAL PRIZE of 1 year Makerspace Draw: At various reward levels, you'll be automatically entered into a draw to win a 1-year Makerspace Membership ($1,200 value) & transferable.

3 Kinds of Memberships: Get your membership for the Tool Library and the Sharing Depot, at the $55, $100 and $125 reward level, plus other perks. If you're an existing member, you'll get a 1-year extension. Memberships are transferable to someone else and HST included!

LIMITED SPOTS LEFT - Valentine's Date: At the $85 reward level, get a 90-minute couples workshop for Valentine's, including a trainer in small group setting, materials and chocolate for a hot date to make your own memento gift together!

Start your own Library: At the $400 reward level, get training to start your own sharing project. We'll share grant proposals, budgets and give lots of tips to launch your own library in your town. Includes 10 hours of meeting time.

Little Free Library Build: At the $550 reward level, build your very own Little Free Library! Includes 4 hours with our Tool Ninja and all materials, plus more perks. Good for a group of up to 4 people.

Lifetime Membership: At the $1,000 reward level, get a lifetime membership to the Toronto Tool Library and Sharing Depot and share for life! Includes extra perks like a  3-month Makerspace Membership.

Name our Community Night: At our highest reward level of $2,500, you'll get  major branding visibility. Add your name, brand  or organization to our weekly Community Night at our East York branch (e.g. Tooly McTool Face, anyone?).

Our Sharing Projects

The team behind the Tool Library has contributed tens of thousands of hours to make sharing a part of Toronto’s culture. Our programs include:

Toronto Tool Library & Sharing Depot

Our premiere programs are the Toronto Tool Library and Sharing Depot, Canada's first Library of Things. We’ve opened three physical locations in Parkdale, East York and Hillcrest. The annual memberships grant you access to over 10,000 items, from tools to camping equipment, children’s toys to party equipment and more. Here are our membership options:

Memberships sold on the crowdfund include HST and a donation.

Zero Waste Initiatives

We also host a Zero Waste Soap Station with our partners at Saponetti. While helping to spark this movement, we've welcomed leaders in the zero waste movement, such as Bea Johnson, to speak with and inspire Toronto audiences.

Zero Waste Soap Station at our Danforth Location

Repair Cafe

Since April 2017 we’ve been proud to host Toronto's Repair Cafe. The Repair Cafe is an avid group of volunteers who run a repair event every Sunday afternoon at our Hillcrest branch. If you need something fixed - from a toaster to a pair of jeans - come learn how to fix it for free!

Repair Cafe in Toronto hosting another great event!

Makerspace

Our Makerspace on Danforth gives members 24/7 access to woodworking, laser-cutting, 3D printing and more for just $100/month. We also host a free Community Night for the public every Wednesday at our Makerspace, where anyone can use our shop, under the guidance of volunteers. This unique event has empowered homeowners, hobbyists and makers to build their projects, use our tools and meet other like-minded people. Check out our video below to learn more!    

Swapping Events 

Our Board in front of the Hillcrest Tool Library, opened in 2017

FAQ

1) How do you fund your operations?

As a non-profit organization, we depend on grants, sponsorships and the support from our community to operate. But we also have the added strength that most of our operating costs are raised through our memberships, and these continue to grow every year. Since many of our prospective members begin their memberships with us in the spring, the funds raised through this campaign will keep us operating into our busiest season and expanding throughout the rest of the year.

2) What if your financial problems continue past this crowdfund?

Over 5 years, we've had a great track record of managing our enterprise with the bulk of our revenues coming from the services we currently offer. Provided there are no major unexpected expenses, the funds raised in this crowdfund campaign should hold us over until the spring when our revenues have historically increased and sustained themselves for the rest of the year.

To avoid having to fundraise from our members and supporters, we will also continue applying for grants and sponsorships. We also expect to launch new revenue streams that should help us reduce our reliance on fundraising in the future. Also, by growing our membership each month, we slowly get closer to financial sustainability with combined revenues from new memberships and renewals.

3) Can I gift a membership?

Of course!  Once you've purchased a membership through this crowdfund, please contact us at contact@irbe.org to let us know who you would like to receive your gift.

4) Can I support the campaign in other ways?

Absolutely! You can help spread the word on social media using our toolkit here, which includes everything you'll need like pre-written posts and images. If you want to do more and volunteer your time to the campaign, please email us at: contact@irbe.org to let us know your interest.

Have more questions?

Please contact us at contact@irbe.org and we will update this page with more questions and answers.