Who They Are: ToolBank USA
How They Began: Launched in 1991, ToolBank was inspired by the example of neighbors helping other neighbors with DIY projects by opening their hearts and their toolboxes.
Over the years, it has helped more than 5,300 community-based organizations complete more than 100,000 philanthropic projects by lending more than $92 million worth of tools and giving them access to more than 1.8 million volunteers.
Why You Should Friend Them: ToolBank has 12 affiliate locations that help nonprofits avoid the high cost associated with purchasing, repairing, and storing equipment and tools. For a nominal per-tool handling fee, it provides these organizations with the items they need to complete various community service projects and carry out a wide variety of missions.
ToolBank also has a Disaster Service division (with nine locations) that provides comparable assistance to communities after a disaster, all free of charge. “We deploy staff and various size trailers filled with tools to equip community-based organizations and their volunteers at no cost.”
To Learn More: For a quick look at the kinds of tools ToolBank lends, check out this link. To find out more about ToolBank’s ethos, watch this short video. Or to get a big-picture view of its activities and impact, visit toolbank.org.
How You Can Contact Them To sign up as a member agency and become part of ToolBank’s tool borrowing network, visit their website. Or to get further information about getting involved, click here.
