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Rochester Makerspace
Rochester, NY · EIN 461739437 · Form 990EZ · FY2024 · NTEE A25 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Small ($100K-$1M) · rocmakers.org
revenue
$183K
expenses
$149K
net assets
$135K
employees
—
mission · from form 990

Promotes education in STEM & Arts

profile · synthesized from sources

Rochester Makerspace is a nonprofit, member-driven workshop in Rochester, NY that provides tools, training, and collaborative space for creators and innovators. It supports hands-on learning in STEM, arts, and crafts through access to equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers, along with structured classes and mentorship. The organization serves hobbyists, artists, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners seeking to develop technical and creative skills.

named programs · 8 · from sources

What they call their work

Business Classes
Workshops including "How to Start a Business" and "How to Write Great Instructions" tailored for makers
Intro to 3D Printing
Hands-on class teaching safe and proper operation of 3D printers using PLA, ABS, and resin materials
Intro to CNC
Class providing foundational knowledge on operating Avid CNC routers for wood projects
Intro to Cricut Design Space and Heat Transfer Vinyl
Comprehensive class on using Cricut Maker and heat press for crafting with paper, vinyl, and fabric
Intro to Lasercutting
Training course enabling members to independently use CO2 laser cutters for cutting and engraving approved materials
Intro to Robotics
Series of classes including Mobile Robotics, Sumo Robotics, and Combat Robotics for beginners and advanced builders
Intro to Sewing
Course covering basics of operating sewing machines and creating textile projects
Intro to Stained Glass
Workshop teaching techniques and proper tool use for creating stained glass projects
activities · 3 groups

What they do

  • Community Makerspace Access and Training 5 activities
    • Provide access to 3D printers and related training
      Operates multiple 3D printers using PLA, ABS, and other materials, including high-resolution SLA resin printers, and offers regular classes on 3D printing and SLA 3D printing to teach safe and proper operation.
    • Provide access to CNC routers and related training
      Operates two Avid CNC routers with 2'x2' and 4'x4' bed sizes for wood project cutting, offers an Intro to CNC class, and provides mentorship from trained members to support new users in completing their first projects.
    • Provide access to Cricut and heat press equipment with training
      Provides access to a Cricut Maker, EasyPress heat press, laminator, paper cutters, and mat cutter for paper and vinyl arts projects, and offers a class on Cricut Design Space and heat transfer vinyl to teach members safe and effective use.
    • Provide access to laser cutters and related training
      Provides members access to laser cutters following completion of training and instructor approval, offers regular introductory classes on safe operation, and periodically offers intermediate classes such as laser etching on glass.
    • Provide access to sewing and fiber arts equipment with training
      Provides access to sewing machines, a serger, an embroidery machine, sewing accessories, tools, and donated fabric in a dedicated work area, and offers introductory classes on sewing and embroidery machine use.
  • Hands-On STEM Education Programs 1 activity
    • Provide education in STEM and arts through workshops and classes
      Offers a broad range of periodic and regular classes and workshops in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts, including programming, robotics, electronics, CAD, game development, and fiber arts, to promote skill-building and community learning.
  • Uncategorized 1 activity
    • Host open houses for public tours and safety orientations
      Hosts regular open houses on Thursdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 11am, offering introductory tours and safety orientations to prospective members and the public.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$183K
Contributions & grants$2K1%
Program service revenue$176K96%
Investment income$1300%
Other revenue$5K
expenses
Total expenses$149K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$135K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$135K
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +24.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

board members · 10
  • Allison Pitkin — Board Member
  • Andrew Spong — Board Member
  • Andy Thistle — Board Member
  • Bridget Sheehan — Board Chairperson
  • Josh Hudak — Board Member
  • Juan Jackson — Board Member
  • Leah Farrar — Board Member
  • Liz Lawley — Board Member
  • Mike Moll — Board Member
  • Paul Carter — Board Member
relationships · 15

Who they work with

  • Andy Thistle Partner — Area manager for the machine shop at Rochester Makerspace.
  • Dave Smith Partner — Area manager for the laser cutting area, responsible for oversight and member support.
  • Dave Smith Partner — Contact person for inquiries about the business collective.
  • James Chin Partner — Area manager for computing programs at Rochester Makerspace.
  • James Chin Partner — Area manager for robotics, serving as point of contact for robotics-related inquiries.
  • Jonathan Becker Partner — Sewing area manager responsible for overseeing fiber arts programming and operations.
  • Juan Jackson Partner — CNC Area Manager at Rochester Makerspace
  • Kevin Besig Partner — 3D Printing Area Manager at Rochester Makerspace
  • Kim Nguyen Partner — Stained glass area manager responsible for overseeing the stained glass area and equipment access.
  • Natasha Scott Partner — Area manager for the paper & vinyl arts work area at Rochester Makerspace
  • Paul Carter Partner — CNC Area Manager at Rochester Makerspace
  • Rob Storms Partner — Contact person for electronics-related inquiries at Rochester Makerspace.
  • Sal Cimbolo Partner — 3D Printing Area Manager at Rochester Makerspace
  • education@rocmakers.org Partner — Contact point for proposing classes or presentations.
  • president@rocmakers.org Partner — Contact point for general inquiries and community engagement.
strategies · 3

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Member-Driven Creative Community Model
    methodology: member_driven_community
    By providing shared access to tools, materials, and collaborative space, the makerspace fosters innovation and skill development because autonomy in project creation within a supportive community environment increases motivation, peer learning, and sustained engagement.
  • Project-Based Learning Model
    methodology: project_based_learning
    By teaching technical skills through hands-on project-based learning in areas like programming, CAD, and microcontrollers, members develop deeper engagement and practical competence because applied, experiential education reinforces both creativity and retention.
  • Skills-Training and Independent Access Model
    methodology: skills_training_for_access
    By providing structured, hands-on training in tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machines, members achieve independent and safe operation because demonstrated competency ensures both safety and responsible use of shared, high-cost equipment.