New strategic plan for Makers Mill focuses on deepening impact while ensuring long-term sustainability

WOLFEBORO — One year after inviting the community to help imagine what comes next, Makers Mill has officially adopted a new five-year strategic plan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the organization's evolution.

The plan builds on the success of Makers Mill's first strategic plan, which guided the organization through the ambitious renovation of the building and the launch of operations. With that vision realized, the new plan shifts its focus from building the space to strengthening its impact — expanding service to the community while ensuring the organization has the financial foundation to thrive for generations to come.

Approved by the Makers Mill Board of Directors after a year-long planning process, the new roadmap reflects input gathered through a community-wide survey, a public Visioning Night, and conversations with members, volunteers, partners, donors, and staff.

The planning process began in June 2025 when Makers Mill invited the public to Wolfeboro Town Hall to help shape the organization's future. Building on those conversations and additional community feedback, the Strategic Planning Committee spent the past year reflecting on the organization's first years of operation, identifying emerging community needs, and establishing priorities that will guide Makers Mill through 2030.

The result is a plan shaped by the people who use Makers Mill, volunteer here, partner with the organization, and believe in its mission.

"This is simply how we make decisions," said Josh Arnold, founding executive director of Makers Mill. "Our first strategic plan challenged us to transform an empty building into a community makerspace, and together we accomplished that. This plan asks a different question: now that the Mill exists, how do we ensure it continues serving our community not just for the next five years, but for the next 50? The answer begins with listening."

Community feedback reinforced that Makers Mill has become much more than a workshop. Participants described it as a place where people learn new skills, build relationships, solve problems together, preserve traditional crafts, explore new technologies, and experience a genuine sense of belonging.

Looking ahead, the strategic plan focuses on six priorities: expanding workforce development, deepening regional partnerships, improving accessibility, growing volunteer leadership, strengthening organizational sustainability, and fostering a culture of making that continues to bring people together. Alongside these community-focused goals, the plan outlines strategies to diversify revenue, grow philanthropic support, build long-term financial resilience, and ensure Makers Mill remains a stable community asset for future generations.

"The community told us they value having a place where people can learn, create, and connect," Arnold said. "Our responsibility now is to make sure that place will always be here. That means continuing to serve our mission while also building the financial strength, leadership, and partnerships that will sustain Makers Mill well beyond today's generation. Every class we offer, every volunteer who shares their expertise, and every donor who invests in this work helps secure the future of this remarkable community resource."

As Makers Mill begins implementing the new strategic plan, the organization welcomes new volunteers, members, community partners, and donors who want to help ensure this community resource continues to grow and serve the Lakes Region for decades to come. Together, they will help turn the community's vision into reality.

The full strategic plan is available at makersmill.org/strategicplan.