Milwaukee-based Bucketworks, a nonprofit entrepreneurial project space, is looking to raise $18,000 by the end of the day in order to remain in its current location at 706 S Fifth St. in the Walker’s Point neighborhood.
Director Tim Syth posted a message on the Bucketworks website Friday morning, detailing the need for the funding and asking for donations.
“We are not asking for much and we never have asked for much, but I am asking for Bucketworks now,” the message stated. “If we reach our goal, the funds will be used for to cover rent. If we do not reach our goal, the funds will be used to find a new home. Our goal is to raise $18,000+ by the end of the business day today – please help.”
The $18,000 would cover six months of rent and give the project the ability to finalize legal representation and become its own entity. Now in its 11th year, Bucketworks is a fiscally sponsored program of the School Factory, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation.
“We’re trying to make it its own entity and establish it as a project space in the city,” said Syth. “We want to be a feeder for VETransfer, for Gener8tor, and places like that, and be a place for people to get engaged in entrepreneurship.”
If the goal is not reached, said Syth, “We really would be scrambling for space. We would persevere, but it would be definitely a huge blow.”
Syth also emphasized the diversity of Bucketworks, and how it “provides a broad swath of opportunities” in local entrepreneurship. More than 15 businesses are in the space, where roughly 500 events are held per year. Meeting this funding goal would also allow it to ramp up programming and further pursue partnerships currently in the works.