NONPROFIT
ROAD MAP
2008-2021
Clay Space was founded by Jim Laub
& Sandy Harder as a ceramics studio offering classes, workshops, and studio space for local ceramics artists
2021-2024
Denise & Kevin Railsback continued the operations of Clay Space as a for profit business while implementing upgrades to help the studio better serve the community
2025
Clay Space is embarking on an exciting transformation to develop into a 501c3 nonprofit to ensure the longevity of the studio and expand our ability to offer resources, education, and community
LOOKING FORWARD
Transforming Clay Space into a nonprofit organization will secure our future and create new opportunities through grants, donations, and deeper community involvement
COMMUNITY
Since we acquired Clay Space in 2021, our overarching goal has been to create community. A place where you can have friends and share skills, techniques and tips. A place for you to feel welcome and safe. We believe we have succeeded in reaching this goal and creating the community we have today.
Our next goal is to make this community sustainable. A community that will survive indefinitely and not be dependent upon any one individual. We believe that the next step to maintain and grow the community of Clay Space is to transition from a for-profit business to a public benefit non-profit organization.
"Kevin and I are excited for the future of Clay Space and are looking forward to building this nonprofit to provide stability at Clay Space for future generations."
DENISE RAILSBACK OWNER
BECOMING A NONPROFIT
We have formed the non-profit entity (also called a public benefit corporation), and begun the process of obtaining 501c3 tax-exempt status with the IRS. This is a technical first step to prepare for the transition from the for-profit business to the nonprofit. We are targeting May 1, 2025 as the official transition, which means Clay Space’s assets will transfer from private owners to the non-profit entity. We have formed a board of directors for the non-profit entity to help guide this transition. Our board members are Denise Railsback, Janiece Woodland, Sherri Jackson, Tabitha Buzby, and Meg Littler.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MEMBERS?
We anticipate that the transition will be seamless and that you, as a member or student of Clay Space, will not be noticeably impacted. Daily operations will continue as they have been. Classes will continue. You may notice a change in the source of receipts for classes or membership fees. You will likely be asked to sign a new membership agreement at some point. Again, these changes should not affect daily operations. After the official transition occurs and the nonprofit entity receives 501c3 status, we will be able to accept tax-deductible donations and apply for grants, which we believe will significantly increase what Clay Space offers to our existing community and the broader community of Eugene.
COMMUNICATION
EDUCATION OVERSIGHT
EVENTS
FACILITY
FUTURE FACILITY RESEARCH
FINANCE
GRANTS
LEGAL
MARKETING
WORKSHOPS & OUTREACH
WEBSITE
NEXT STEPS
Until we obtain our 501c3, we will be limited in our ability to seek out grants. Donations made will not be tax deductible until our 501c3 status is achieved. If we achieve 501c3 status by the end of 2025, donations made this year will be tax deductible. We want to be fully transparent in the steps required to achieve our ultimate goal.
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
There are many ways to help! The first and most important is to sign up for and complete the community tasks listed on the task chart by the entrance to the east wing. This is a community studio and takes many hands to operate smoothly and maintain clean working areas. If you would like to do more, we have formed several committees, listed here, to address different aspects of this transition. If you would like to join a committee or have additional skills or knowledge that you are willing to contribute, please contact one of our board members or email board@clayspaceeugene.org