The Maker Lab Fundraising Campaign

A New Chapter

Two years after Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, and Project Threadways came together as a single not-for-profit, the organization enters its next chapter with The Maker Lab—a new headquarters and community space in downtown Florence. The building, located at 302 East College Street, will be a space for making, gathering, and exploring the past, present, and future of craft—expanding access, deepening impact, and carrying this work forward for generations to come.

Programming will offer:

• Hands-on classes in sewing, embroidery, and more for 100+ participants, plus scholarship opportunities.
• Exhibitions, public history projects, and symposia to explore sustainability, design, and the culture of textiles.
• Community events, gathering space, and inspiration, with a café and retail area showcasing craft and creativity.

In late 2025—through donations, multi-year pledges, grants, and historic tax credits—we met a Phase One fundraising goal of $2.8 million and announced plans to break ground at the new property in January 2026. We are deeply grateful to the public agencies, private foundations, and individual donors who make this future possible, and those partners and collaborators who champion Project Threadways’ work and mission. 

After months of construction, renovation, and outfitting, we anticipate a grand opening for The Maker Lab in September 2026. Stay tuned for an announcement and details. 

The total fundraising goal is $3.5 million. Funds donated in the months ahead will be allocated toward artisan studios, workshop spaces and equipment, and resources for hands-on instruction. 

Join us in bringing this vision to life be donating to the capital campaign. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Maker Lab.

Donate online or send a check to:
Project Threadways
462 Lane Drive
Florence, Alabama 35630

Checks should be made out to “Project Threadways” with “Capital Campaign” included in the memo.

Questions: donate@projectthreadways.org

Project Threadways is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 83-4366226.