Organization: SoundBio Lab (you can learn more about this organization by clicking here)

Approved Grant (through donor-advised fund): $500

Designation: Purchase of a 3D Printer

Additional Notes: This grant was originally be used for the purchase of a $500 3D printer (FlashForge Finder Model). SoundBio ended up getting an upgraded 3D printer (FlashForge Creator Pro Model) , which cost $900, and so they secured matching funds towards our grant to cover the cost differential.

We find the team at SoundBio to be extremely innovative and entrepreneurial, which are unique qualities in the non-profit space.   Though it has only been several weeks since they started using the printer, they have already designed, printed, and began selling microscope clips that can be attached to the iphone. There is a photo of it below. This has produced around $150 in revenue for them so far, and so I would anticipate this printer will recoup its costs rather quickly, and produce additional revenue towards the organization.

They also plan to sell micropipettes as well. Given that it has only been a few weeks, we are quite curious what other ideas they will come up with in the future.

The initial reason why we made this grant, is that we thought it might be useful for them to print out any needed lab equipment as well as marketing material for their organization. We also thought it would be a good way for any enthusiasts within the community to learn about 3D printing. They recently hosted a free workshop demonstrating how the printer works, answering questions, etc. The fact that they have already been able to generate extra revenue off this machine is an added bonus we did not anticipate.

And so, this grant we feel is money very well spent, and the printer is likely to produce both community benefits as well as revenues far in excess of the initial monetary outlay, in support of a noteworthy and needed new local institution.

Photos of 3D Printer, as well as iphone microscope lens clips: