URGENT UPDATE: Noisebridge, the beloved hackerspace in San Francisco’s Mission District, is facing imminent closure unless it raises crucial emergency funds. Volunteers report that the collective has only a few months of financial runway left and may be forced to charge for access or shut down entirely if new donations do not materialize.
According to Mission Local, Noisebridge incurs approximately $12,000 in monthly expenses but currently operates at a deficit of roughly $6,000 each month. Organizers revealed they have just around three months of operating costs available, putting their future in serious jeopardy.
Nearly 80 percent of Noisebridge users access the space for free, which has made it a vital resource for makers and artists in the city. To combat the financial shortfall, volunteers have set an ambitious year-end fundraising target of $300,000. Notably, Mission Local is offering a matching pledge that will double donations up to $76,500.
In a bid to secure funds, Noisebridge has launched a community GoFundMe, which, as of November 10, 2023, has raised about $13,945. The crowdfunding campaign has set a bridge goal of $50,000, while volunteers are actively organizing events and auctions to convert one-time contributions into sustainable support.
Why the Shortfall?
The financial strain follows a costly relocation to a two-story space at 272 Capp Street in 2020, where the collective discovered that the building had not been properly permitted for years. This oversight resulted in nearly $60,000 in necessary permits and upgrades. Additionally, a decrease in recurring donations due to tech industry layoffs and the temporary closure of the woodshop during renovations have left the collective in a precarious position.
How Members Are Responding
In response to the urgent need for funds, volunteers have lined up a “Sweet 16” fundraising party, silent auctions, and classes, all aimed at meeting the December fundraising push. Details about the party and auction can be found on their event and fundraising platform, Givebutter, which features sliding-scale tickets and membership drives.
Noisebridge operates on a unique “do-ocracy” model, promoting the idea that anyone can use the space without a fee. However, its survival now depends on transforming community goodwill into recurring support or securing larger donations to cover rising costs.
As the deadline approaches, Noisebridge’s future hangs in the balance, and its volunteers are calling for immediate action from the community. Time is of the essence—now is the moment to support a vital part of San Francisco’s creative ecosystem.
