Decatur Makers sent out this announcement…

Founding memberships, private donations and local grants have propelled Decatur Makers’ inaugural fundraising effort past the 80 percent mark.

A grassroots effort to create a makerspace in the city, Decatur Makers has raised more than $40,000 toward its start-up goal of $50,000. The funds will be used to convert an unused gymnasium at First Christian Church into a makerspace, which provides tools, technology and space for people to build, create and invent.

Groups and individuals purchasing founding memberships – which combine a charitable gift with multi-year access to the makerspace – will have their names on a Founders Wall inside the space.

The Decatur Education Foundation, currently serving as Decatur Makers’ fiscal sponsor, is joining with the City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority to provide grants to help get the makerspace started. Local businesses such as Big Nerd Ranch are also offering support.

“Founding members and generous individuals across Decatur have led the way in supporting this novel concept for our city,” said Lew Lefton, acting executive director of Decatur Makers. “The added support of our city and community organizations has also been crucial to our fundraising momentum.”

Earlier in the spring, First Christian Church of Decatur provided a major boost to the enterprise by agreeing to donate its gym for use as a makerspace. The organization – organized and run entirely by volunteers – will use funds to repair, rewire and renovate the space to prepare for its late-summer opening.

• Those interested in becoming a Founding Member or supporting Decatur Makers with a tax-deductible charitable gift can learn more at DecaturMakers.org.