Cynthia Gentry (CCAL30) (1914)
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Community TOOL BANK
Posted to: Cynthia Gentry (CCAL30) (1914) by Cynthia Gentry (CCAL30) (1914), Mon, 09 Oct 2006 09:17:35 PDT
Edited: Mon, 09 Oct 2006 09:19:24 PDT
Feedback score: 55 (* * * * * * * * * *)
Comments: 3 by 3 members
Viewed: 89 times by 17 members
Over the past few years as I've been traveling around the country with my friends from KaBOOM talking to folks about how to build playgrounds I've been asked the same question: where do you get the tools? Each time I've told them about the Atlanta Community Tool Bank , the awesome organization that I've worked with here in Atlanta.
Then this year I heard the stunning news: ours is the ONLY tool bank in the country!!!! I can't believe it. It's such a no-brainer. An organization that has almost every tool you could ever need lends the tools (in great quantities) at a low rate to non-profits so that they can do their work. I mean, why buy 10 wheelbarrows if you only need them for one day or a weekend? Where do you find 40 shovels?
They want to take their model national. It has proven highly successful and they are attracting the attention of a number of potential partners who would be perfect matches.
I'll post more about this process as I learn more. I talked to Mark Brodbeck, the Executive Director today. He's an awesome fellow and has done great work. I first heard him speak on a powerhouse panel that included the head of the Woodruff Foundation and the Atlanta Community Foundation and was very impressed.
More soon, but check out their website. Plus, very cool logo!
By Mark Brodbeck (3), Mon, 09 Oct 2006 11:13:34 PDT
Comment feedback score: 5 (* * * * *)
Cynthia, thanks for the kind words.
I'm pleased to report that with the completion of Hands On Atlanta Day this past weekend, the Atlanta Community ToolBank has provided tools for more than 45,000 volunteers this year alone, equipping them to perform more than 600 service projects all over Atlanta.
- Our model is slightly different from most tool lending libraries, as the ToolBank does not serve individuals seeking tools, but serves the nonprofits and charities of all kinds. This includes 501c3s, neighborhood associations, public schools, faith-based groups, and social clubs with a mission to serve. The ToolBank model affords two primary benefits to the nonprofit sector:
- The borrowing agency can dramatically increase the size and/or frequency (and therefore the impact) of volunteer service projects, while avoiding costs associated with purchasing tools.
- The ToolBank serves as a responsible and reliable steward for available tools, ensuring that the tools will be readily and immediately available for the borrowing agency’s next project, and that the tools will be in excellent condition when needed.
ToolBank leadership is actively working toward national replication, and we have a critical need for planning partners who have worked the replication process before.
I appreciate feedback, and please visit when you can, either physically or virtually at www.toolbank.org. We love to give tours of our warehouse - please stop by!
Mark Brodbeck
topBy Christina (2984), Tue, 17 Oct 2006 05:38:44 PDT
Comment feedback score: 0
I like this idea a lot. Thanks for sharing
By Mark Grimes (4111), Mon, 09 Oct 2006 09:49:13 PDT
Comment feedback score: 6 (* * * * * *)
Very cool. Mark should talk to some of the other tool lending libraries and see how each operates. It's a great biz model.