Support the Tool Library's most important asset – our staff!

If you’ve ever visited the Chicago Tool Library, you know our greatest strength: our incredible team. Right now, our entire operation is powered by just 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff members — we do A LOT with a little.

But we’re facing a big challenge.

Due to recent federal Executive Orders, we lost two new full-time staff positions we worked for years to secure. We had just hired two outstanding people — and now, the roles are gone.

That’s why we're raising funds to focus on what matters most: our staff.

Your donation helps us keep our team strong — and makes sure the Tool Library remains a trusted, accessible resource for all of Chicago.

Thank You ❤️

Why this matters!

Hiring and retaining staff means we can do so much more for our community. When we invest in people, we improve:

Operations – More tools available, smoother processes, and a better experience for all users.
Outreach – We reach more people, break down access barriers (language, digital, physical), and build strong partnerships.
Fundraising & Development – Stronger grant writing, better donor support, and more funding for CTL’s future.
Communication – Clearer policies, better digital presence, and more consistent updates.

What Your Donation Can Do

💡 If we raise $25,000
We can extend the contracts of our former team members to support CTL's Communications, Outreach, and Development.

🌟If we raise $50,000
We can extend their contracts even further and add more support to our FT and PT team— giving CTL the staff power we need to grow and stabilize.

🚀If we raise $100,000
We can hire for one one of both of the defunded roles permanently, and expand our part-time staff into larger, more sustainable positions.

🤝 If we don’t meet our goal
All donations will still go directly to support the incredible staff who keep the Tool Library running every day.

Other ways you can help

Know of job openings?
The best outcome for our former team members is permanent, full-time employment. While they’re working with us temporarily, we’re also leveraging our network to help them explore other opportunities.

If you can offer a connection, a lead, or a job in:

Nonprofits
Communications
Events
Writing
The arts
Sustainability
Or any related field — please email us at hello@chicagotoollibrary.org to connect with our jobseekers.

Can’t donate? Share this campaign!
Help us spread the word to others who believe that spaces like the Tool Library matter!

What Happened with the Executive Orders?

In November 2024, we doubled our team with two new roles: a Development Associate and a Communications & Outreach Associate, thanks to a federal grant.

But on February 14th, we were told we had five days to comply with new Executive Orders or lose our funding. They demanded we:

Remove all references to climate change from our paperwork.
Sign a statement promising we would not participate in any DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) activities.

We refused.

Our board and staff agreed: these demands were unethical and impossible. Our grant was terminated. A few months later, the entire federal program was defunded — our loss was inevitable.

We’re Built to Adapt — With Your Help

CTL launched just six months before the COVID lockdowns – we’ve had to pivot and innovate since day 1!

We’re also funded by regular people:

85% of our budget comes from individuals — through memberships, donations, and events.
Only 13% comes from institutional grants or sponsorships.

We are truly people-powered.

Build CTL's People Power!

Help us grow and support our staff!