Ely Folk School

The Ely Folk School is a place where people become artists. Where neighbors meet. Where creativity expands. Your donation deepens our reach. 

Across 10 program areas, we feature a diverse range of programs, classes, and events. From blacksmithing to potica making; from parching manoomin to pine needle basketry - here are endless possibilities for inspiration. At the core, all our offerings curate potential for connection. Connection to self, connection to people, and connection to material. 

When you show up to the Ely Folk School - it’s for a purpose. Whether you’re here to felt, knead, carve, stitch, parch, cook, sing, or repair, you’ll find others gathering here for the same reasons. An automatic touchstone to connect with strangers, acquaintances, folks you may think you have nothing in common with. And yet, these programs offer space to forge new relationships, learn from the life experiences of others’, and practice group belonging. 

When people move to Ely, they’re often referred to the Ely Folk School. That’s because our programs are rooted in creating honest and authentic opportunities to get involved on a deeper level. 

Being curious isn’t just a good trait when you’re new to something or somewhere. It’s essential for us as we navigate a divisive world, changing technology, and a changing relationship to politics. The Ely Folk School curates introductory, welcoming, and 

If we can’t connect together on our shared interests, we hardly stand a chance of connecting meaningfully over difference.  Join us in supporting a place that creates space to listen, share, create, and learn. 

Your support will help us reach our goal of $20,000 and 150 donors this Give to the Max season. Your donation goes back into Ely people, artists, and vendors actively creating opportunities to say yes to your curiosity. 

Where does your donation land? 

$10 Donation

A donation of $10 provides hospitality via coffee and tea at one of our 400+ annual programs.

$50 Donation

A $50 donation supports a meeting of an Ely community group, club, guild, or collective in the Ely Folk School. We are proud to be the community kitchen and living room - where creativity blossoms and big ideas take shape.

$100 Donation

A donation of $100 supports the building of a new class and lesson plan with an area instructor, adding to our robust and diverse program schedule. EFS staff work closely with artists, helping shape ideas into learning outcomes and intentions into relationships.

$250 Donation

A donation of $250 covers the cost of groceries for the hand pies made by volunteers in the Ely Folk School kitchen and handed out to everyone at our Spring and Winter Bonfires

$500 Donation

A donation of $500 supports two weeks of The Friday Network at the Ely Folk School. With the new change to a four-day school week at the Ely Public School District, EFS is working with ECR to offer home economic, cooking, and sewing classes for middle schoolers every Friday for the entire school year. 

$1,000 Donation

A donation of $1,000 covers our Sliding Scale ticketing tiers for one month. Help us work toward our vision of folk education for everyone.