4 Big Wins & 3 Lessons Learned
2025 was a year of transformation for Furniture Repair Bank: a year where big dreams took shape, new partnerships blossomed, and our community showed up in ways that moved us deeply. As we grew, we also stretched, learned, and adapted, discovering what it truly takes to build a stronger, more sustainable Repair Bank for the future. Before we dive into what’s ahead, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the milestones that defined this year and the lessons that will guide us forward.
Four Big Wins That Made This Year Unforgettable
Our First Fundraising Campaign & Open House
We launched our very first fundraising campaign, From Blank Space to The Repair Place, and achieved our goal on New Year’s Eve! This campaign was more than dollars. It was a vote of confidence in our mission. Work is already underway: upgraded electrical, safety equipment, and collaborative planning to create a space that meets the needs of all who use it.
The amazing turnout at our Open House was a true testament to the power of community. Neighbors, partners, and supporters came together, showing us so much love and reinforcing that what we do is deeply needed.
Support from Key Funders
We’re proud to have earned the King County Re+ Circular Economy Grant and to continue our contract with Seattle Public Utilities for transfer station collections. These partnerships strengthen our ability to keep furniture out of landfills, train volunteers in valuable restoration skills, and furnish homes where it’s needed most.
We were also awarded a grant from The City of Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Community Partnership Fund in support of our campaign to make improvements to our community volunteer hub and other space upgrades. It means so much to our team to have the support of the community that we call home!
Thanks to being awarded Seattle Public Utilities Waste-Free Communities Matching Grant, the Repair Bank will once again address Seattle’s textile waste crisis and the shortage of skilled upholsterers by providing a paid, hands-on reupholstery training program for five refugee and immigrant women. Over 15 weeks, participants will gain industry-aligned skills while restoring furniture that would otherwise be landfilled, diverting an estimated 14,000 pounds of upholstered furniture waste and reducing 5,600 CO2e. The program builds an equitable workforce pipeline in a rapidly disappearing trade while returning restored furniture to Seattle families in need. This initiative lays the groundwork for a future apprenticeship program that supports waste prevention, economic mobility, and a more circular local economy.
A Growing Team
This year, we welcomed new team and board members who bring complementary skills and energy to our mission. Together, we’re stronger, more creative, and ready to take on bigger challenges. Stay tuned for our future Meet the Team story to learn more about the mighty members who keep the Repair Bank going.
A New, Larger Space
We moved into a new workshop that’s 2.5 times larger than our previous location! This upgrade has relieved the stress of overcrowding and opened the door for more repairs, more volunteers, and more impact.
Thanks to our successful fundraising campaign last fall, gears are in motion to implement the necessary upgrades to the space. We look forward to sharing our progress!
Lessons Learned in 2025: Growing Through Challenges
As we celebrate our wins this year, we also want to share the lessons that shaped us. Growth brings not only opportunities but also challenges, and each one taught us something valuable.
Becoming an Independent 501(c)(3)
Separating from our parent organization, Zero Waste Washington, and incorporating as an independent nonprofit was a major milestone, but not without hurdles. Navigating legal requirements, governmental requirements, and securing insurance (which proved the most difficult task of them all!) felt like a roller coaster. This experience taught us resilience and the importance of strong partnerships during times of transition.
Organizing Our New, Larger Space
Moving into a workshop 2.5 times bigger was exciting, but it came with its own set of challenges. Designing the layout, installing new shelving, and creating efficient work zones required creativity and teamwork, and we were thankful for the support of multiple volunteers with architecture and design skills. We learned that planning for growth is just as important as the growth itself.
Managing the Complexities of Growth
With a bigger team, more volunteer groups, and increasing furniture requests from partner agencies, communication and logistics became critical. More people to help means more deliveries, more coordination, and more furniture to accommodate. This taught us the value of clear systems and strong communication as we scale.
Every challenge strengthened our foundation and prepared us for the future. Thank you for being part of this journey, we couldn’t do it without your support!
See you at Furniture Repair Bank!
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