Benicia, CA. Benicia’s Makerspace became the second recipient of a grant from Benicia Community Foundation (BCF) during a donation ceremony recently held with executive members of both non-profit organizations.
The donation was given to support the organization’s commitment to inspiring and empowering members of all ages in our community. Members of both organizations’ Boards met at the elaborate Makerspace workspace off East 2nd Street, which is located in the Benicia Industrial Park.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the BCF for their gracious grant to support the Benicia Makerspace,” noted Makerspace Board Member Jim Kennon. “This is especially beneficial to us as, due to the Covid pandemic, we haven’t been able to host our annual STEAM Discovery Festival. The SDF is usually our largest fundraiser that brings hands-on exhibits and activities to the community.”
According to Aaron Newcomb, Founder/President of Benicia Makerspace, “We are a non-profit organization, founded in 2014, where people can come together to learn, collaborate, invent, prototype, and test new ideas using state-of-the-art equipment.”
He added, “We have a community shop where students, hobbyists, and entrepreneurs can make things, use shared equipment, learn new skills, and incubate new business ideas.”
“Moreover,” he added, “Areas of interest include 3D printing, Laser cutting, IoT (Internet Of Things), electric vehicles, alternative energy, sustainability, robotics, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, vintage computers, woodworking, and metalworking.
“We are so honored to partner with Makerspace, which actively helps support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education and awareness in Benicia,” said David Batchelor, BCF Chair.
“BCF brings heart and financial resources to solving community challenges and is dedicated to supporting our community and local charities while building community camaraderie,” he added.
“It is BCF’s mission to build strong charitable relationships with many Benicia non-profit organizations like Makerspace, which fill genuine needs in our community. Recently, BCF provided Carquinez Village with financial support, and we have other grants in development,” added BCF Executive Director Terry Scott
“These partnerships we are building in our community we believe will make Benicia a better place through active philanthropy,” said Donna Koontz, BCF Board Secretary.
According to Makerspace Treasurer Ben Parsons, the funds awarded to the organization will help support a wide array of projects, including teaching students coding, working with 3-D printers and a host of expanded opportunities for its members.
Board Member Mr. Kennon said Benicia Makerspace offers monthly memberships with 24/7 access to tools and equipment for adults and a discounted rate for students.
Joining Mr. Newcomb for the donation ceremony presentation were Mr. Parsons, Treasurer, and Mr. Kennon, Board Member. The BCF is represented by Mr. Batchelor, Chair; Ms. Koontz, Board Secretary and Mr. Scott, Executive Director.
According to Mr. Newcomb, of Benicia Makerspace is always in need of volunteers and donations to keep costs down. If you can donate time, equipment, or money, you can contact them by emailing .
To get information about prior STEAM Discovery Festivals, news about the next event, entering your own exhibits, volunteering, or to see updates about some of the new exhibits the Makerspace is building, visit “steamdiscoveryfestival.com”.
For more general information about Benicia Makerspace, please visit BeniciaMakerspace.org