Support of the Low Technology Institute allows us to carry out our twofold mission: research and education. Although we solicit grants to subsidize our research, in many cases these funds do not fully cover the materials and personnel costs associated with these projects. Member support helps us go farther. Our educational programs are meant to be open to anybody, regardless of ability to pay. Donations subsidize those who need to learn a skill but may not be in a position to pay the full cost.
Donations
We accept donations of books and tools for our libraries at all times. We will also take supplies needed for our current or future research projects. We are currently looking for items related to solar water heating (plumbing parts, mostly) and greenhouse constructions. We do consider any type of donation, however. Please contact us if you have something you’d like to give to us; we can likely come and pick it up as well.
Thanks to Hop Haus Brewing Company, Viking Brew Pub, and Wisconsin Brewing Company for recent donations.
Volunteering
We always have tasks that need doing and a few hours volunteering with us can be a big help. Please get in touch to find out what types of opportunities exist. Volunteers can also serve as contributors to the blog or podcast.
Membership
Members of the Low Technology Institute will receive benefits in return for their annual dues. Members are welcome to all public events; for events requiring an R.S.V.P., members will be able to sign up before the public and members will pay a discounted rate for paid events. Members will enjoy a discounted rate to institute workshops, which will vary in accordance to the cost of materials and instructors. Members will have free access to tours and the tool and research libraries. Although our publications will be open access, members will receive early access to the Bulletin and Journal. Members will receive occasional emails to let them know about upcoming events. Members who donate above the minimum dues will receive additional benefits of increasing value, from gifts of honey or other products, to special events or meals prepared by the institute staff. These members may receive deeper discounts on events and workshops. Large donors will also be mentioned in annual literature and newsletters, as appropriate (unless they wish to remain anonymous).
You can pay for an annual membership or support us monthly.
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Monthly/Annual Dues |
$3/$35 |
$10/$100 |
$50/$500 |
$100/$1,000+ |
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Workshop Discount |
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Event Discount |
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Early Event Sign Up |
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Tool & Research Library |
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Early Publication Access |
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Early Notification Emails |
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Farm Product Gifts |
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Special Events |
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Acknowledgement in Pubs. |
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Exclusive Farm Meals |
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Underwriting
We prefer to use the underwriting model of support rather than an advertising model, as we want underwriters to support the institute and its work rather than primarily desiring to get its message to our membership and audience. Underwriters can sponsor a specific event, research project, other subsidizable entity, or general operating costs. Underwriters will be acknowledged in connection with the specific project or the institute overall, as appropriate. A legal framework is being developed to guide the staff and underwriters. Any potential conflicts of interest should be declared both when accepting funding and acknowledging underwriters. For example, if a local solar power company underwrites the institute, it may be necessary to state (where appropriate) that, “although the Low Technology Institute is supported by Fictitious Solar, our research, results, and design are independently derived,” or, if underwriting was specific to a project, “the Low Technology Institute’s research on solar water heating has been supported by underwriting from Fictitious Solar but our results remain independent.”
Please contact us to discuss underwriting.