URGENT UPDATE: Noisebridge, the iconic hackerspace in San Francisco’s Mission District, is facing an imminent closure without immediate funding. Volunteers have confirmed that the collective has only a few months of operational funds left, prompting a desperate push for emergency donations.
As of November 10, 2023, reports indicate that Noisebridge runs a monthly deficit of approximately $6,000, with total expenses reaching around $12,000. The hackerspace has launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming for a $50,000 bridge goal. So far, they have raised about $13,945, but organizers stress that significantly more support is needed to keep the doors open.
“If we don’t secure these funds, we may have to start charging for access or face closure,” said one of the volunteers involved in the fundraising efforts. The urgency of the situation has mobilized the community, with nearly 80 percent of users currently accessing the space for free.
To meet their year-end target of $300,000, volunteers have planned multiple fundraising events, including a “Sweet 16” party and a silent auction. These events aim to convert one-time donations into recurring support while also offering sliding-scale tickets and membership drives.
The financial strain has been exacerbated by rising costs after Noisebridge’s relocation to a new two-story space at 272 Capp Street in 2020. The move revealed that the building lacked proper permits, leading to nearly $60,000 in unexpected expenses for upgrades and permits. Furthermore, recent tech layoffs and a temporary closure of the woodshop have further impacted donation levels.
Volunteers are actively working to turn the community’s goodwill into sustainable financial support. “We are reaching out to larger donors and encouraging everyone to contribute what they can,” said a spokesperson for the collective. The fate of Noisebridge, a vital resource for makers and artists in the city, now hinges on the success of these critical fundraising efforts.
Members are optimistic about the community’s response, with various fundraisers detailed on their event and fundraising platform, Givebutter. The need for urgent action is clear, and the Noisebridge community is rallying together to ensure its survival.
As the situation develops, those interested in supporting Noisebridge can find more information and contribute through their GoFundMe page and upcoming events. The clock is ticking, and the hackerspace’s future depends on immediate action from the public.
