New independent nonprofit will help ensure more Americans have access to the spaces, communities, and tools that enable them to make, innovate, and build—rather than simply consume.

The grassroots Maker Movement has helped reshape entrepreneurship, education, workforce development, manufacturing, community revitalization, and technology inclusion across the United States. To build on those achievements and grow the coalition of organizations supporting makers, an independent nonprofit organization, Nation of Makers, has been formed. The organization will represent and serve a broad range of places and institutions that support making—nonprofit organizations, museums, libraries, science centers, schools, foundations, and for-profit companies.

Nation of Makers has engaged leaders from the maker community in all 50 states and gathered more than 300 letters of support from hackerspaces, makerspaces, companies, libraries, local governments, and economic development agencies. These partners have already seen the positive local effects of making and are committed to expanding the maker community’s reach and inclusivity. In recognition of Global Entrepreneurship Week USA, Nation of Makers highlights the spirit of entrepreneurship and local innovation represented by American makers.

“Giving more Americans the opportunity to make, invent and create is critical to our future,” said Tom Kalil, Deputy Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. “Making can inspire more young people to excel in STEM education, promote entrepreneurship in manufacturing, and empower more people to solve problems in their communities.”

Local Impact: Real Examples from Across the Country

Makers are developing solutions to local and global challenges, launching locally produced products, and strengthening communities that support small businesses. Examples of how maker activity is taking shape include:

• Chicago, IL: At the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago, local makers prototype projects ranging from energy storage devices and wearable electronics to innovative food packaging and custom furniture.
• Anchorage, AK: The MAKE Partnership has matched federal funds to support trainings and workshops at the Anchorage Makerspace, focusing on manufacturing startups and maker entrepreneurs.
• Macon, GA: SparkMacon supports entrepreneurs launching businesses across Macon-Bibb County by combining workspace, mentorship, and programming.
• Brookings, SD: The Brookings Economic Development Corporation opened the Brookings Area Makerspace at South Dakota State University as a shared workshop for students, faculty, and community members.
• Kingsport, TN: The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce has supported the creation of a new makerspace at the Kingsport Public Library to foster hands-on learning and small business development.

Leadership and Mission

Founding board members of Nation of Makers include makers and leaders from diverse backgrounds: Harley DuBois (co-founder of Burning Man), Pamela Jennings (Professor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Winston-Salem State University), Adam Savage (head of Tested.com), and Stephanie Santoso (former White House Senior Advisor for Making). Together they will guide the organization’s work to support and amplify maker activity nationwide.

Nation of Makers will support the full spectrum of organizations that impact makers. Its priorities include fostering connections between maker organizations, sharing practical resources, facilitating funding opportunities, engaging in policy development, and advocating for the needs of the maker community. The organization aims to help local maker institutions amplify their creativity, innovation, and diversity—maximizing both local benefits and broader societal impact.

What This Means for Communities

By coordinating support and resources, Nation of Makers will make it easier for communities to open and sustain makerspaces, develop hands-on education programs that feed STEM pipelines, and create pathways for maker-led entrepreneurship and manufacturing. Strong maker ecosystems can drive local job creation, provide workforce training in modern manufacturing and fabrication techniques, and inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and design.

For those interested in learning more about the organization and the many ways makers are making a difference in their communities, Nation of Makers maintains information and resources for organizers, educators, and entrepreneurs.