How do I join?
Click the Join Now button from MakeHaven’s homepage (or just join here). On this page, you will complete your payment information. Standard membership is $60/month.
You will be directed through the following steps to become a member:
- Set up payment info – membership fees are collected monthly; cancel anytime.
- Complete your maker profile and sign the electronic wavier online.
- Watch the orientation video
- Take a brief quiz
- Schedule an in-person orientation to go over safety procedures and get your ID.
- Start making!
What if I’ve never use a tool before?
No experience? No problem. It is our goal to bring making to everyone. Each of our tools is listed on our equipment page with information/a video. We have volunteer community facilitators in each area that will meet with you after you’ve completed the instructional videos and quiz to do a hands-on safety check (“badging”) and to answer any questions you have. The facilitators are also a great resource for when you are stuck, when you need project ideas, or when you want to work with a "spotter" nearby as you are learning.
How do I get cleared to use a tool?
Nearly all tools required a tool test – we call this "badging." The steps needed for each tool is outlined on the tool page (search for a tool on our equipment page). The steps for the vast majority of our equipment is:
- Watch an instructional video online (pause, rewatch as needed to complete your understanding)
- Pass an online safety quiz
- Meet with a Facilitator to do a hands-on checkout (ranging from 15 minutes to 90 minutes; most about an hour)
A couple of our more complicated tools require a class (or a checkout with previous experience).
What tools do you have in the space?
Check out our equipment list to see our available tools. Looking for something we don't have yet? Our members drive our tool aquisitions by voting for what tools we should get next!
What hours are you open?
All of them! Members get 24/7 access to the space -- we never close! Members and the public can reach a staff member Monday-Friday 9am-6pm by emailing info@makehaven.org or by leaving a message at (203) 936-9830. Make an appointment so we can set aside the time you need to help. Want to see the space? Book a tour!
Where can I park when using the makerspace?
There is metered street parking nearby on Chapel, Orange, and State Streets. We have discount barcodes for use at the parking garage at 270 State Street (on the same block as MakeHaven) that allows members to park for half-price ($1.25/hour) while using MakeHaven. Note that these are available in the space for members and are generously provided by Park New Haven. MakeHaven cannot control the amount of barcodes we receive, so it is not a guarantee, but we offer them whenever they are available.
Is MakeHaven accessible?
There is an elevator to access the makerspace, which is on the lower-level. Our restrooms are equipped with hand rails. Doorways and walkways meet ADA requirements. We welcome anyone to come tour the space ahead of time to check out any particular requirements you may have so we can accommodate. You can reach out to staff at info@makehaven.org or leave a message or text at (203) 936-9830 and we will be in touch.
Can minors use the space?
MakeHaven is an adult makerspace. Children may not become members. However, if you are the legal guardian of a minor, they may accompany you in the space. Guardians must supervise minors the entire time. Minors, like all guests, cannot operate badged equipment, but are welcomes to be a part of the making in terms of assembly and design.
What if I need to travel/be away?
You may put your membership into suspension mode for up to 3 months at a time using the links under My Membership (visible when you are an active member). You will not have access to the space during a suspense, and you will not be charged during that time. Storage areas need to be vacated during suspension unless arranged with staff. When you your reactivation date arrives, you will automatically be ready to jump back in. Note that suspensions must be arranged in advance. We are unable to do retroactive suspensions.
Do I need to bring my own materials?
Generally makers supply their own materials (wood, fabric, t-shirts, etc.) The MakeHaven store allows makers to purchase some items for convenience (eg sign vinyl by the square inch, as purchasing an entire roll may not make sense) or that are hard to get easily and quickly locally (eg 3d printing filament). Makers may pay for these items at the store online or in cash at the cash box in the Store.
Can I leave my materials/project-in-progress in the space?
Pieces requiring time to glue up or set (wood glue, resins, drying pottery) have designated areas in the space. Makers in need of longer-term storage of materials or project pieces may purchase bin, shelf, floor, or sheet materials storage. All storage areas are month-to-month, and can be added or cancelled at any time.
Can I share my card/membership with my spouse or company?
Memberships reflect individual learning (badges) and therefore cannot be shared among individuals. We do offer household discounts for individuals living in the same location, as well as discounts for employee groups.
Do I have to pay anything else to get trained/oriented on tools?
Generally no, we use videos and volunteer coaching to orient you to nearly all the tools. The exceptions are the metal lathe, bridgeport mill and the Tormach CNC. These tools require ethere documentation of experience or a one day long class at MakeHaven specific to the tool. This class is has a fee.
What is the minimum membership duration?
One month. Membership automatically renews but you can cancel any time.
Do you offer day passes?
We do not offer day passes due to the orientation time required to get started on tools.
How is this possible?
We have over 700 members which generate monthly income for the organization. Volunteers are a big help in keeping the space running and financially viable. We have also received financial support from our sponsors and generous individual donors.
How can I help?
Can I make a monetary donation?
Yes please! We are able to offer scholarships to individuals facing financial hardship who want to use MakeHaven to learn a skill, kickstart a small business, earn extra income through making or reep the therapeutic benefits of making to help counter a stressful time. These scholarships would 't be possible without donors who believe that making should be available an accessible to all. Make a tax-deductible one-time or repeating donation and MAKE a difference in our community today. Thank you!
Can I make a donation of a tools or equipment?
Yes, although we have limited ability to put tools to use so you need to let us know about what you are thinking of donating, so we can review and choose to accept if we can put it to use. We can provide a receipt describing the item for tax deductibility but do not ascribe a value. makehaven.org/item-donation-inquiry
Can I come take a tour?
Yes please! You can schedule a tour at makehaven.org/tour
Can I hire you to build something for me?
Our mission is to bring making to all people at all levels. As such, we provide a facility for people to create and learn. We encourage you to become a member and we will help you learn to build it yourself. You can do more than you think! We don't have the resources to manage commissioned projects at this time. We wcan post opportunities to on our internal member chat for our members who do freelance work. If you want us to share an opportunity with our membership, please complete this form. There have been many successful connections through this method; however MakeHaven makes no assurance of results or quality.
I have an invention idea, can you help me make it real?
Yes. One of our goals is to help inventors be successful. We have volunteers to help learn how to build a prototype.
I have a limited income, can I apply for a reduced rate?
Yes, we have a scholarship program for people with financial limitations. We have a particular emphasis on enabling people of color, women, and veterans to join. You can apply for a scholarship online. Subsidized membership are made possible by our generous donors.
What kind of organization MakeHaven?
We are an educational nonprofit with 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. MakeHaven's governance is managed by a volunteer board of directors.
Has anyone made anything really impressive?
Absolutely. We recommend looking through our instagram posts to get an idea of some of the things people have made. -
Can my class / scout troup take a tour
MakeHaven focuses on adults (18+). Our four person staff is very limited in our capacity to conduct tours for school and scout groups. We are also limited by our insurance requirements to have waivers and supervision from the legal guardian. We recommend you consider a visit to the New Haven Free Public Library Tinker Lab.
Events & Workshops
Are workshops open to the public?
The overwhelming majority of our workshops are open to the public. Those that are not are clearly indicated.
Is there a fee for attending events or workshops?
Our workshops are ticketed events. MakeHaven members can purchase tickets at a 15% discount. Members from organizations we have partnered with can purchase tickets at a 10% discount.
We periodically hold social events. Those are often free to attend.
What types of events and workshops does MakeHaven offer?
MakeHaven offers workshops in many of the disciplines we have
Where can I find the schedule of upcoming events?
Our Calendar of events can be found here: https://www.makehaven.org/events/calendar. You can also sign up for our newsletter, which goes out twice a month and includes information on events and workshops: http://eepurl.com/diZMWT
Can I cancel or modify my registration for an event or workshop?
The email confirmation you receive when you register for an event contains the link to modify or cancel your registration to an event or workshop. If that link does not work, you can contact us at Events@makehaven.org.
Do you offer refunds for event or workshop registration fees?
Refunds will be issued if the cancellation is made more than 72 hours before the start of the event or workshop. Cancellations made less than 72 hours before the start of a workshop will not be refunded.
Can I bring a guest to an event or workshop?
All attendants to a workshop must have a ticket.
How is ticket price determined?
The default method for calculating ticket prices is as follows:
- Determine the instructor fee based on time commitment and skills. Instructor pay is set by the instructor themselves, with a base hourly rate of $25.
- Add overhead costs, which offset a portion of rent, payment processing, tools mainance, coordinating staff etc. This is a minimum of a flat $75 or 20% of instructor compensation, whichever is higher.
- Determine the minimum number of participants needed to run the workshop so that it covers the above two expenses. (Workshops will be canceled if registration is too low.)
- Determine the cost of materials per participant, add that cost to the ticket price.
Ticket Price Formula:
((Instructor Pay + MakeHaven Costs) / Minimum Attendees) + Supply Cost Per Person = Membership Ticket Price
This formula calculates the MakeHaven ticket cost. The general public ticket price is set at 15% above the membership rate, and the partnership ticket is 10% above the membership rate.
Individuals with qualifying incomes can apply for a 20% reduced price (application like on event pages).
Example of ticket price calculation:
How much does MakeHaven profit on overall on workshops?
Profit from workshops at MakeHaven varies significantly due to several factors, including participation levels and the types of tickets sold. Some workshops may generate a modest profit, which is then reinvested into improving and expanding our educational offerings and facilities. Running workshops is costly, as we need to cover expenses for purchasing and maintaining equipment, coordinating with instructors, managing our registration system, handling payment processing fees, and paying for the teaching space rent. Additionally, we have dedicated staff responsible for organizing these workshops. While our goal is for the education program to eventually sustain itself without relying on grants, the overall program is not yet revenue positive considering the comprehensive costs involved.
Example result/calculation for 5 attendees (of 8 slots) of Underwater Basketweaving:
| Count | Participant Ticket Type | Income | Material Expense |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Member | $128 | $-40 |
| 1 | Member (Income Adjusted) | $51.2 | $-20 |
| 2 | General Ticket | $150 | $-40 |
| 3 | Not Sold | 0 | 0 |
In this scenario, the result is:
- $329.2 Workshop Income
- $-100 Supplies Consumed
- $-100 Instructor Fee
- _________________________
- $129.2 Revenue for MakeHaven
While our pricing formula targets a minimum of $75 in revenue to offset overhead costs, the actual revenue from this hypothetical workshop can vary significantly based on participant registration. It could range from $23 (if only the minimum number of participants register and require financial assistance) to $340 in revenue if a full class of 8 participants pays the full general ticket price. Workshops that generate greater revenue play a crucial role in offsetting losses on less successful workshops and advancing our education and workshop program towards financial sustainability.
What materials or prerequisites are required for specific workshops?
All materials and supplies are provided for workshops. All workshops are “no experience necessary” at default. If a workshop has a prerequisite this will be laid out in the event description.
Are there age restrictions for attending events or workshops?
Most workshops are 18+, but age restrictions vary by workshop. They are listed in red on the event page. Workshops and events can also be sorted by age restrictions, when in the calendar view: https://www.makehaven.org/events/calendar
How do I get updates or notifications about upcoming events?
The best way to keep up to date is by joining our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/diZMWT
Is there parking available at MakeHaven for event attendees?
Yes, street parking is plentiful in the neighborhood. We also have an agreement with the parking garage at 270 State St, New Haven. Information on getting to and parking for MakeHaven can be found at: https://www.makehaven.org/visit