Governance

How Loveland CreatorSpace is organized, led, and guided.

Loveland CreatorSpace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit makerspace governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The Board oversees strategic direction, finances, policies, and the long‑term health of the organization. This page summarizes how governance works at CreatorSpace and how members can participate.

For full legal details, see the Loveland CreatorSpace Bylaws on the main website.

1. Organizational Purpose

Loveland CreatorSpace is organized as a nonprofit for:

• Educational

• Scientific

• Charitable

• Creative

• Technological

purposes.

The bylaws state that LCS exists to “provide and maintain an ongoing, collaborative workspace that fosters a positive, safe, learning and working environment for organization and community members.”

This mission guides all governance decisions.

2. Board of Directors

The Board consists of:

• 4 Officers

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Treasurer

  • Secretary

• Up to 7 Directors‑at‑Large

Directors serve two‑year staggered terms to ensure continuity.

Board members serve without pay and are responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the organization.

Eligibility

• Directors‑at‑Large do not need to be members.

• Officers must be members in good standing and have prior board experience.

• The President requires 23 months of prior board service.

Good Standing Requirements

Directors must:

• Have paid dues for the previous 12 months

• Have active knowledge of LCS operations

• Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and communication skills

3. Elections

Board elections occur annually in January (or another date set by the Board).

Key rules:

• Applications must be submitted 28 days before the election.

• The Board verifies eligibility and publishes the ballot 10 days before voting.

• No nominations from the floor.

• Members vote electronically, in person, or by proxy.

• One membership equals one vote.

4. Board Responsibilities

President

Presides over meetings, appoints committees, and leads organizational direction.

Vice President

Acts as President when needed and serves as liaison to committees.

Secretary

Maintains minutes, records, and documentation.

Treasurer

Manages finances, dues, and monthly reporting.

Directors‑at‑Large

Support operations, committees, events, and strategic planning.

5. Committees

The Board may create standing or ad‑hoc committees as needed.

Committees are supported by the Vice President and may include:

• Safety

• Facilities

• Events

• Tool Areas

• Bylaws

• Finance

• Outreach

Committee membership is open to volunteers.

6. Meetings

Board meetings occur at least monthly.

Members may attend board meetings except when personnel issues are discussed. Members may observe but may not:

• Submit new business without 72‑hour notice

• Participate in debate except during designated times

• Disrupt proceedings

Special meetings may be called by:

• The President

• A majority of Directors

• A petition of 20% of members

7. Voting

• A quorum requires 50% or more of Directors.

• Motions pass by simple majority.

• The President votes only to break ties.

• Voting may occur in meetings or via email.

• Robert’s Rules of Order apply when procedures are unclear.

8. Conflict of Interest

Board members must disclose conflicts and abstain from voting on related matters.

If a Director has a financial interest or cannot act impartially, they must temporarily vacate their seat for that vote.

9. Fiscal Policies

Key points:

• Fiscal year is the calendar year.

• IRS Form 990 and Form 1023 must be available upon request.

• No earnings may benefit private individuals.

• Upon dissolution, assets must go to another 501(c)(3).

These rules ensure compliance with nonprofit law.

10. Non‑Discrimination

CreatorSpace does not discriminate based on:

• Race

• Color

• Religion

• Gender

• Sexual orientation

• National origin

• Age

• Disability

• Any protected characteristic

This commitment is explicitly stated in the bylaws.

11. New Member Orientation Requirement

The bylaws require that all new members complete orientation before receiving access.

“No new member…is exempt from this orientation.”

This ensures safety and consistency.

12. Amendments

Bylaws may be amended by:

• A two‑thirds vote of the membership

• With at least 25% of paid members casting a vote (quorum)

• After providing the proposed amendment at least one week in advance

The Board may recommend amendments, but members approve them.

13. Where to Find the Full Bylaws

The complete bylaws are available on the Loveland CreatorSpace website:

• Full legal text

• Revision history

• Amendments

• Governance details

This handbook provides a summary; the bylaws remain the authoritative document.