Creating OUR
Community Together
For over a decade, many of us in Grants Pass—educators, parents, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—have dreamed of building a makerspace. A place where people of all ages can learn, create, and collaborate. Since 2020, through Common Connections, we’ve carried that vision forward together, even through the uncertainty of the pandemic. This hasn’t been a one-person project—it’s a community effort fueled by belief in what’s possible. Many makers in our area have continued working in isolation—maintaining their own studios or garages. But a makerspace amplifies what’s possible. It brings people together, sparks new ideas, and enhances the kind of creativity and collaboration that only happens when people build things together.At one point, we asked for $50,000 to help cover a couple of years of rent. And while that would’ve been helpful in the short term, we've realized that kind of solution is only temporary. What came from that ask, though, was powerful: a multitude of conversations that revealed how much people cared—and how clearly they saw that a one-time fix wouldn’t be enough. Over and over again, the same challenge emerged: how do we secure and sustain a space? Whether it’s rent or some other form of payment, the cost of maintaining a consistent location has always been the sticking point. There was always grant money or goodwill for equipment—tools, machines, supplies. But we couldn’t quite connect the dots to create a sustainable funding stream for the location itself. And without a home, the heart of this project couldn’t beat.We all see it—people in our town who’ve lost direction, who feel disconnected, who end up aimless or on the hamster-wheel of life not because they lack talent, but because they lack opportunity to break pattern and get creative. The truth is, purpose and belonging are often built—not found. A makerspace is somewhere that offers not just tools and training, but meaning. A space where people discover their gifts, grow their confidence, and maybe even change their path.
Having a makerspace in Grants Pass is not just a dream—it’s a necessity. Many local leaders and advocates—across education, business, and economic development—have voiced their support for this vision. We’ve also received encouragement from neighboring makerspaces, and regional and even state-level champions who see the value in what we’re building. But we don’t need to wait for them. If we want a makerspace in our community, we need to come together to support it—by securing a space that fosters skill-building, experiential learning, artisan training, and creative collaboration. That’s always been the spirit of Grants Pass: investing in what brings people together and lifts them up.That’s why we’re now working to build a community capital endowment fund—a lasting resource designed to support the ongoing cost of a space where this dream can take root and grow. This fund isn’t about outside interests or short-term grants. It is being designed with community control, is influenced by the needs and voices of the people who live here, and will be operated by those who understand the soul of Grants Pass. It's a solution built not just for the community—but by it.I know you care about this town. I know you believe in the power of building something that lasts. That’s why I’m writing you—not just for help, but for insight, for feedback, for encouragement. Would you take a minute to tell me what you think about this idea?There’s a short questionnaire at RogueInnovationHub.com where you can share your thoughts. No pressure—just your honest take. That alone would mean a lot.Because in a town built by pioneers, it only makes sense that our future begins—and our legacy thrives—with makers.Thanks for reading,
Cat Bonney
Founder, Common Connections
Community Advocate, Grants Pass
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGYCURRENT PROJECTS:
Setting up a Business Incubator Makerspace
Phase 1: "SmartStartLab.com"
[Experiential Sandbox for Entrepreneurs]Phase 2: "RogueInnovationHub.com"
[Members Makerspace, Tools & Lab]
Common Connections CREW
Ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute your energy to building our community? Consider volunteering on the CCCrew!
3D PRINTER
for Homes
We are actively consulting with
GeoPolymer International
and have started a
BUILDING & EQUIPMENT FUND
to purchase a MaxiPrinter and
bring the technology training to our
community and area pre-apprenticeship cohorts.If you would like to make a donation for this specific equipment and training need--Please contact Cat Bonney, Executive Director of COMMON CONNECTIONS for a personal interview and exclusive sponsorship donations for this project.
Community Partners We Appreciate!
Building partnerships with community businesses, organizations and individuals is how we roll.
Common Connections (.org)
106 NW F Street #378 • Grants Pass, OR 97526
541.215.4415 • info@commonconnections.org