Berea College Student Craft, Woodworking School at Pine Croft, Receive $200,000 in Craft Catalyst Initiative Grants

July 16, 2026

BEREA, Ky. – Berea College Student Craft and the College’s Woodworking School at Pine Croft have received part of a $10 million grant as part of a partnership between Etsy and the Center for Craft.

The Craft Catalyst Initiative will invest these funds in craft hubs across the United States  to unleash capacity in regional craft ecosystems that support craft artists.

“As the Center for Craft celebrates its 30th anniversary, partnering with Etsy to recognize the value of craft organizations marks a particularly significant milestone,” Center for Craft Executive Director Stephanie Moore said in a release about the program. “In an increasingly AI-driven and digitized world, human connection through craft is more essential than ever. This initiative will fortify craft’s place by investing in the spaces, relationships and infrastructure that encourage artists, sustain creative careers and strengthen communities across the country.” 

In its first round, the Craft Catalyst Initiative will award $2 million to 20 nonprofit organizations in five craft hubs nationwide – including Berea College Student Craft and The Woodworking School at Pine Croft – with each receiving unrestricted grants of $100,000. Grounded in research previously commissioned by Etsy, “craft hubs” are defined as areas where artisans and cultural organizations intersect to cultivate strong communities through craft.

Organizations were selected based on their public commitment to supporting craft in their communities, research and interviews conducted in each hub and guidance from a distinguished panel of national advisors with expertise in the field of craft. Additional hubs will receive support in future rounds.

In addition to funding, leaders from recipient organizations will participate in a yearlong cohort to navigate challenges, strengthen support systems for makers and build pathways to ensure craft’s continued importance in daily and cultural life. The cohort will encourage connection and collaboration to create long-lasting ripple effects within and across craft hubs. 

A complete list of groups receiving funding, eligibility criteria and information on advisory committee members is available here.

“Berea College is honored to be included in the first round of the Craft Catalyst Initiative,” said Aaron Beale, associate vice president of Berea College Student Craft. “This support will allow both Student Craft and Pine Croft to expand their reach and increase their impact on the regional and national craft conversation while continuing the College’s founding commitment to access and opportunity.”