Our Story

The MAGIC CITY TOOLBANK serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment & expertise to empower their most ambitious goals.

Our Beginnings

The ToolBank concept was created in Atlanta in 1991 with the idea of neighbors helping neighbors by giving their time and loaning their tools to do home repairs for their neighbors in need. In 2008, ToolBank USA was launched to replicate the model and establish ToolBanks throughout the United States. The ToolBank’s signature lending model allows charities to focus on their mission by relying on ToolBanks to provide, store, and repair critically-needed tools and equipment. ToolBanks share their resources with charitable groups so they can equip volunteers to efficiently complete work in less time, with the right tools, at minimal costs. Using ToolBank tools, community-based organizations avoid the expense of purchasing, repairing, and storing tools. Each year, the ToolBank recognizes a ToolBank Affiliate who has been outstanding in furthering the mission and vision of the ToolBank.

Our Mission & Values

OUR MISSION

The mission of the ToolBank is to serve community-based organizations by providing the tools, equipment, and expertise needed to empower their most ambitious goals. Our vision is to equip all communities with tools for change.

TOOLBANK VALUES

We are a values-based organization that serves our affiliates, member agencies, volunteers, community partners, associates, and suppliers with open hearts and equity.

RESPECT & INCLUSION

We believe in diverse and inclusive participation in our communities and we intentionally strive to create a welcoming environment for all people, regardless of race, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation or creed.

INTEGRITY & TRANSPARENCY

We are committed to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. We support transparency in our financial and operating standards and commit to accountability.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We are committed to accessibility, professionalism, and open communication focused on those we serve. Our goal is to exceed the expectations of all member agencies, volunteers, donors, and visitors.

TOOL STEWARDSHIP

We manage ToolBank resources responsibly to maintain inventory value, promote long-term viability, and ensure responsible usage and care of the tools by the borrower.

SAFE USAGE OF TOOLBANK TOOLS

We believe in our responsibility to foster and maintain strong relationships with our member agencies that promote responsible usage and care of ToolBank tools. We acknowledge our duty to promote safe and responsible usage and care of the tools.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

We have a responsibility to collaborate with our partners to best support the interests of the communities in which we serve.

Our Staff

Clint Denson

Executive Director

Clint and his wife Rebecca along with their three children live in the Titusville community, a historic and proud neighborhood of Birmingham. Over the past decade they have committed their life and work around place-based and impactful community organizing. Clint’s background includes growing up in Mississippi where he studied Philosophy and Religion at Mississippi State University. Post college Clint engaged in a few years of volunteer work in Ghana, West Africa. In Birmingham, Clint has been part of youth mentorship programing, rehab-housing efforts, co-founding and operating a for profit B-Corp business, co-founding and teaching at a private elementary school as part of encouraging equitable education options in the city. As Magic City ToolBank launches in Birmingham, Clint is excited to serve as the Executive Director of Magic City ToolBank and confident that the resources the ToolBank brings to Birmingham will generate dignity, activate greater community engagement and be a mindful ally to the existing effort for progress in the Magic City.

Favorite Tool: Leatherman Crunch

Our Leadership

Max Michael

Board President

Matt Walenciak

Board Vice President & Treasurer

Matt is the Director of Replication and Sustainability for ToolBank USA. Previously, Matt served as the Atlanta ToolBank Executive Director for over five years. He has been a familiar face to the ToolBank Network and worked for ToolBank USA where he headed up our Disaster Services Program. Matt has also worked for Habitat for Humanity, Lutheran Episcopal Services in Mississippi, and served as an AmeriCorps NCCC Member.

Favorite Tool: Nail Gun

Trey Bearden

Board Secretary

Trey joined ToolBank USA as Chief Program Officer in July of 2018. Most recently, Trey served as the founding Executive Director of the Richmond Community ToolBank. The process of building a ToolBank from the ground up taught him that action creates clarity and that the answer is always no unless you ask!

Favorite Tool: The right tool for the job

Our Partners

Become an Partner

Are you interested in becoming an investor with the ToolBank? Take a moment to fill out the information below and we will contact you.