Andy,
It really depends on how much the grant is actually going to be for, and what its stipulations are. A lot of grants reject application for covering operational costs, for instance.
In general, priorities I'd value for new incoming substantial economic resources, in order of importance:
- Staff, and specifically time to plan for new staff: This can mean
creating new roles within the organization to develop entirely new functions. Or, existing function can be improved by redistributing one or more work categories which currently are part of a bundle of responsibilities for one or more current staff, which might involve new pay grades or entirely new roles. Allotting resources to staffing could also involve raises for existing staff, something especially necessary now as grocery and rent prices skyrocket, and periodically necessary in any case. If there is no current role responsible for financial development, creating that role might be a smart distribution of new resources.
- Storage infrastructure: Whether or not a space functions well can
rely entirely on how well organized it physically is, and physical organization requires physical infrastructure. Shelving, workbenches, storage bins, locked/secured storage if necessary, racking systems, pegboards and pegs, hooks for hanging bikes, signage, fasteners for construction. New lighting may be needed to facilitate the use of rooms, closets, or sheds that currently have none. Even groundskeeping can be involved, in instances where materials are being stored outdoors. There may also be fees associated with standards compliance where physical development is concerned.
- Other physical infrastructure: Meeting rooms, showrooms, paint,
repairs, weatherproofing. Investment in weatherproofing and more efficient heating and cooling can save lots of money.
This is all making the basic assumption that you already have enough basic tools, including workstands and truing stands, to function on a daily basis. If you lack basic tools, of course that should be prioritized.
~cyclista Nicholas
On 2023-08-02 17:13, info--- via TheThinkTank wrote:
I affirm the lighting. I especially like to wear a headlamp when working.
Angèle Poirier
Bike Regina (cycling advocacy) and master of pop-up bike co-ops for 2 years
Regina, Saskatchewan
From: Luke Box via TheThinkTank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Sent: Wednesday, August 2, 2023 10:41 AM To: The Think Tank thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org Cc: Luke Box lukebox@gmail.com Subject: [TheThinkTank] Re: What would be your wish list?
Echoing Tom; tools, tools, tools, bike stands, lumber for sturdy benches, big air compressor, sturdy toolbox for tools not kept at the benches, whole bunch of fans if you don't have AC, aprons, good lighting.
These are all things I would hate to not be so lucky have at our shop.
Park Tools and QBP have some philanthropy offerings in addition to whatever you all have managed.
I'm at BrokeSpoke in Lexington KY BTW. This is just my personal email.
Luke Box 859.588.9811
On Wed, Aug 2, 2023, 10:14 AM Jim Sheehan via TheThinkTank <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org mailto:thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org > wrote:
If it is just for tools and equipment, fully stock all your work benches and include extras for damage, theft etc. An air compressor and lines to every workspace is a huge time savings, and the blowgun attachment is pretty handy. Don't forget eye and ear protection and other safety supplies. A good cart is a back-saver.
Beyond equipment, invest in paid staff and ongoing training/education.
Good luck on the grant!
Jim
Jim Sheehan Executive Director
Ohio City Bicycle Co-op 1779 Merwin St
Cleveland, Ohio 44113 tel:216%20830%202667 216 830 2667 OhioCityCycles.org
mailto:jim@ohiocitycycles.org jim@ohiocitycycles.org
On Wed, Aug 2, 2023 at 7:39 AM Andy Ballentine via TheThinkTank <thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org mailto:thethinktank@lists.bikecollectives.org > wrote:
Hello, all --
The Bicycle Co-Op of Williamsburg (Virginia) is moving into expanded space in a couple of months, and we have the opportunity to apply for a substantial grant. We need a parts washer, and that's one idea of what to apply for. In your experience of running your co-ops, what else have you found to be helpful?
Thanks!
Andy Ballentine
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