Hello! The short version of this post is this: we are raising money to help renovate a new rope studio so that we can continue to offer extended rope education at low cost. If that’s all you need to know, the GoFundMe page (and further details) is here:
GoFundMe Link: ropestudy.com/help
Many of you are already familiar with the work we have been doing over the past four years to try to bring progressive, extended rope education opportunities to the local area. Our goal for Rope Study has always been to try to develop a more knowledgeable, skilled, and risk-informed local rope community, with the secondary goal of helping people bridge the gap between their initial interest in rope and being able to competently participate in advanced-to-intermediate rope opportunities.
Our approach has always been to make our offerings as accessible as possible by keeping our fees very low (we make enough to cover the related costs of hosting and developing content and to help with our own continued education so that our offerings are current and well-informed). For example, our current round of classes costs $50/person, which includes 24 hours of instruction spread over 6 class sessions in addition to access to our online content, videos, and resources. We also offer reduced and free admission for those who need it.
We say all of this to make clear that we are not in this to make money. And given our belief that rope education should be cost-accessible, we’ve always felt funny about raising prices or asking for money.
However, we are currently in the process of renovating a new rope studio, and those costs are fairly high. Here’s a rough breakdown of the costs so far:
- Cost of new storage space (to make the existing structure available for rope): $1,400
- Cost of steel (to make safe up-line anchors): $225
- Cost of insulation and covering (to make the space comfortable year-round): $800
- Cost of paint, wood, and other supplies: $200
Total = $2,625
So, we’ve started a GoFundMe with a goal of $1,000 to ask for help meeting those costs. We understand that many people do not have money to spare. If you can give a little, that’s wonderful. If you can give a lot, that’s excellent. If all you can do is share this with others who may be able and willing to support us, that’s fantastic.
We also realize we may not meet our goal, and we’re OK with that … every little bit helps us to make this happen. We appreciate the help in whatever capacity you’re able to give it.
If you’ve benefited from our teaching in the past, or if you know enough about our work to see it as a helpful addition to the local community, or if you just want to see more opportunities for low-cost rope education, we hope you’ll consider donating and/or sharing the link.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider!