How to find equipment grants the shared workshop qualifies for in 2026

Learn how makerspace managers can prepare, search, compare options, and find equipment grants the shared workshop may qualify for.

By CDings · 2026-10-26

CDings is published by the makers of Raise Buddy and ProductCost, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Get the makerspace's details and documents ready, decide what equipment you need, search several sources, and check every funder's rules before applying. Raise Buddy is one option that lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for after you paste your website or describe what you do. ^[1]

Option	What it does	Cost
Raise Buddy Free plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $1,000. ^[1]	Free. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Plus plan ^[1]	Opens programs up to $5,000. ^[1]	$14.99 a month. ^[1]
Raise Buddy Pro plan ^[1]	Opens every program, with advisors' review and AI connection. ^[1]	$199 a month. ^[1]

What you need before you start

Prepare the basic facts a funder may ask for before looking for equipment grants. Keeping these details together makes it easier to review opportunities.

Legal structure. Know whether the makerspace is run as a nonprofit, a cooperative, an LLC, a corporation or another type.
Location. Keep the workshop's registration location and operating location ready.
Workshop description. Write a short explanation of what the shared workshop builds and who uses it.
Equipment list. Note the machines and tools the workshop already has and which ones a grant would buy or replace.
Workshop history. Note when the workshop started, its size, how many people use it, and basic budget information.
Tax information. Gather recent tax returns and any tax agency letters. Check each funder's own document list.
Funding purpose. Decide whether the money is for 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking tools, safety gear, repairs or another need.
Ownership details. Record who owns and runs the workshop because some programs have specific ownership rules.

A simple summary page with these facts can help keep applications consistent.

Step by step

Define the funding goal. Decide what equipment the grant will support and whether a grant, a loan or another funding type matches that need.

Set basic search rules. Note the location, legal structure, workshop age, ownership and other requirements that matter for eligibility.

Search reliable sources. Review government programs, local business and community offices, foundations and other organizations that offer equipment funding.

Read eligibility rules carefully. Check who can apply, what the equipment can be used for, deadlines and required documents before spending time on an application.

Build a shortlist. Separate opportunities into ones that match now, ones that need preparation, and ones that need more information.

Confirm unclear details. Contact the funder when rules, documents or spending limits are not clear.

Prepare each application. Adjust answers to the specific program and provide the requested information.

Track applications. Record where each application was sent, when it was submitted, and what action comes next.

Review results and update the search. Funding programs change, so keep workshop details ready for future opportunities.

Tools that can do it

Different sources can help with different parts of finding equipment funding.

Government program lists. Government websites can show grant programs for business and community equipment. Check each program's own rules, documents and deadlines.

Local business and community support offices. Local organizations may provide information about programs in a specific area. Check what services they provide and whether there are costs.

Foundations and private funders. Some foundations publish open applications for equipment and community projects. Check each one's own rules, documents and deadlines.

Raise Buddy. Raise Buddy is made by the team that publishes this site. You paste your website or describe what you do, and it lists grants, loans, credits, prizes and other funding you may be able to apply for. ^[1] Each match says whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, with the funder's own words. ^[1] It can read a Schedule C, Form 1120, 1065 or 990, or an IRS letter, from a photo or PDF into a draft profile you confirm, and it does not keep the EIN or the papers. ^[1] It includes private foundations that take applications, read from their own Form 990-PF tax returns. ^[1] It covers 25 ways to raise money, such as angel investors, SBA loans and equity crowdfunding, each with its official rules and a first step. ^[1] It keeps track of where each of your applications stands, but you apply on the funder's own site. ^[1]

The Free plan opens programs up to $1,000, Plus is $14.99 a month and opens programs up to $5,000, and Pro is $199 a month with every program, advisors' review, and AI connection. ^[1] The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1] A guest's search list ends after 5. ^[1] Only English is shown for now. ^[1]

Common mistakes to avoid

Applying without checking eligibility. A funding opportunity only helps when the workshop meets the stated rules.

Ignoring spending limits. Some funding can only be used for certain equipment, so check the allowed uses before accepting money.

Relying on a list without checking the source. Confirm deadlines and requirements with the funder.

Confusing grants and loans. Grants and loans have different repayment expectations and costs.

Waiting until the last minute. Documents, registrations and answers can take time to prepare.

Using different workshop details in different places. Keep financial and workshop information consistent across applications.

Not tracking follow-ups. Missing a request for information can slow down the process.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a grant and a loan for makerspace equipment?

A grant is money that usually does not need repayment, but it may have rules about who can receive it and how the equipment can be used. A loan must be repaid and usually includes interest. Makerspace managers should compare the purpose, cost and requirements of each option before choosing a funding path.

What documents are needed to find equipment grants for a shared workshop?

Common documents include the makerspace's legal registration details, location information, a description of the workshop, an equipment list, and recent tax records. Some funders may request additional information. Check each program's own document list because requirements can differ between funding sources.

Can a makerspace check eligibility before applying for equipment funding?

Yes. Review the funder's rules for legal structure, location, ownership, spending limits and required documents before applying. Raise Buddy gives each match a statement about whether you can apply, what one step stands in the way, or what is unclear, using the funder's own words. ^[1]

Does Raise Buddy apply for equipment grants for a makerspace?

No. Raise Buddy keeps track of where each application stands, but the makerspace applies on the funder's own site. ^[1]

How much does Raise Buddy cost?

Free plan opens programs up to $1,000; Plus is $14.99 a month (up to $5,000); Pro is $199 a month (every program, advisors' review, AI connection). The first three matches in each section open on every plan. ^[1]

Try Raise Buddy

Sources

Raise Buddy's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)