Duplicating LVL1 in Grand Junction, CO

[Daniel Stadelman]

I visited LVL1 during DerbyCon last year and I was so enamored with LVL1 that I am attempting to create a similar organization in Grand Junction, CO.

You can see it here:

http://www.gjmakerspace.org

I spent a couple hours taking to Brad that night about how to start hackerspace - and it has all been really helpful!

We are getting to the point where we are thinking it is a good idea to form an official organization. I was hoping to start a 501(c)(3) - but I remember that Brad told me something got screwed up in forming the organization that delayed the 501(c)(3) status. I was hoping I could get some hints on what went wrong with the 501(c)(3) application to try to prevent that from happening here.

Here is my email if you would rather take this off the LVL1 board: bioradmeister _AT_SPAM_ gmail.com

I would really appreciate your guys' help!

[Jeff Johnson]

Hey Daniel, I don't have any advice to give in terms of lessons learned on the paperwork, as I wasn't involved in the paperwork at all.  I just wanted to wish you luck on your efforts.  You would be hard pressed to find anyone less suited for advice than Brad to get advice from, as he is definitely one of our stars representing LVL1 and hackerspaces in general!  

Keep us posted on your efforts, despite the lack of replies to this post, I know all here will be interested in hearing how you do.

As for me, I'm a fairly minor player in LVL1's success, though I did do a component store that worked out fairly well and would be willing to give thoughts on what did and didn't work on that front.

Good luck.

Jeff

[Daniel Stadelman]

Thanks Jeff! I really appreciate the sentiments!

I got an extremely nice email reply from Chris Cprek explaining the 501(c)(3) stuff you guys went through in detail.

The "business side" of the hackerspace is sort of boring part of it all because if we were actually interested in paperwork and conforming to various tax/government we wouldn't be all that interested in a hackerspace!

We had our second meeting tonight and talked for a couple hours. It was a really good time. I think there might be enough interest to have a small physical space. I have also been talking to some people about getting grant money - and it looks like we have someone willing to give us some startup funds!

We aren't quite there for having a component store - but hopefully that will come soon. I will remember your offer and be sure to ask you how you worked it all out!

I also have purchased a DerbyCon ticket for 2012 - so I will come visit LVL1 again in September.

I'll be sure to keep you posted.

Thanks again!

Dan