Main fundraiser photo

the existence of The Commons: 2018

Donation protected
Hi! Amanda here. I've been heavily involved in the operations of The Commons for the past 3 years (I'm currently handing off administration to a group of incredibly committed community members).

The Commons needs your help to stay open and free of charge for community groups, artists, educators, audiences, and more.

This is ESPECIALLY true now, in June 2018, as the building we are currently in is being bought. We don't know anything about the new owner, so we're not sure if we'll get to keep renting at our current rate, or if we'll need to find another space.

A small donation goes a long way. If you’re familiar with The Commons and appreciate the work we do, please click the “Donate Now” button and chip in what you can. If you can’t make a donation, please spread this GoFundMe around. The more people that know about it, the better! We're so grateful for folks who have given their time, expertise, funds, and supplies to The Commons over the years. It’s so heartening to know that people have shown, time and time again, that they want a free creative and social space for our community.

If you aren’t so familiar with The Commons, or just want a quick breakdown of what specifically you’re donation is going towards… read on!

WHAT IS THE COMMONS?

The Commons is an informal community space in Lincoln, NE that gives local leaders a place to organize cultural events, grassroots community building, peer education, regular wellness activities, and more. Anything is possible at The Commons! The best part is, there are NO FEES to use the space and anyone can host an event!

Events have included popular regional musical acts, pop up shops, workshops, support groups, music festivals, and action meetings. The Commons is also home to a number of regular events such as 1) Lincoln Repair Cafe, a donation-driven community service 2) a Sangha that practices meditation every Sunday, and 3) the local chapter of Democratic Socialists of America. If you’re interested in hosting a regular event or a one-time event, visit this link to get the ball rolling: http://thecommonslnk.com/requestevent/

Additionally, The Commons houses a free lending library, a video projector, screen printing, and more… all accessible to the public!

HOW DOES THE COMMONS STAY OPEN?

The Commons only needs three things to stay open: financial support from the community, passionate folks who organize events and other happenings, and a small team of volunteers that do the nitty-gritty work of keeping the space operational.

In 2017, our incredible community made our first GoFundMe campaign a success. Our bills for the entire year were paid in full by dozens of supporters from a wide variety of backgrounds. 

Administrative tasks necessary to coordinate scheduling, maintain the space, and keep the lights on are performed primarily by a small number of unpaid volunteers. Events are also planned, facilitated, and staffed by volunteers. Active participation from dedicated volunteers keeps The Commons going through thick and thin!

THE NUMBERS

The Commons current yearly budget is $7,000, which will cover the following monthly expenses:

$400 rent
$80 internet
$30 electric
$30-$80 – gas

So why are we asking for $7,700?  Well, GoFundMe takes a % of campaign proceeds to keep their site running, so we need a bit extra to get the full $7,000 we need.


HOW YOU CAN HELP

As mentioned above, if you appreciate what The Commons does for our community, please consider making a donation. Every little bit counts!

We also want to grow our community of programming facilitators and get interested folks involved as volunteers to staff open hours and do upkeep. Plan an event using the request form, or contact us about volunteer opportunities. Visit thecommonslnk.com for more information on getting involved!

ONE LAST THING… ARE YOU A VIDEOJOURNALIST/PHOTOGRAPHER? 

You can help TODAY by donating your talents to the creation of a campaign video for this year's fundraiser! Contact us through the website if you are interested in filming some of our events and making a video. We would love to work with you!

THANKS TO 

The dozens and dozens of people who have donated time, expertise, money, and all the stuff that is in the space

The hundreds and hundreds of folks who have attended events in The Commons

And to YOU! for reading this, for being who you are in this strange time, and for even considering contributing to the future of The Commons. 



WE FREE US 2018!
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Donations 

  • Em Barker
    • $171 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Amanda Huckins
Organizer
Lincoln, NE

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