Bearings Bike Works
Shifting Gears
Every kid has the potential to succeed when they’re given the right tools. At Bearings Bike Works, bikes create hands-on learning opportunities for youth to develop technical skills, soft skills, and character strengths.
Although the prospect of earning a bike is what draws kids to its four programs, the Bearings team believes it’s the excitement of learning new skills and being a part of a community that keeps them returning, week after week.
For 10 years, the nonprofit was headquartered in a small basement in an old automotive shop in Adair Park on Atlanta’s Westside. As more and more kids showed up for Bearings’ youth programs, the organization was ready to grow into a new home.
“Entering our first capital campaign felt like the most daunting task we would ever encounter. Lisa and the entire Coxe Curry team were so gracious, encouraging, and methodical in our partnership and helped us see a clear path forward that was both ambitious and realistic. We took every piece of advice as gold and just knew your years of expertise meant you clearly knew what you were doing! Overall, we just learned so much through the process and are better because of it. We’re so grateful for your friendship, your partnership, and the work you do throughout our city to bring big dreams of nonprofits to fruition!”
After completing a planning study with us, in 2017 Bearings began its $2.7 million campaign to purchase and renovate 982 Murphy Avenue, right along the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail. Though the organization already benefited from a committed group of individual, faith-based, and corporate supporters, we helped prepare Bearings’ staff and campaign leadership to steward and solicit additional donors for transformational investments. Expanding their donor base not only solidified the success of the campaign—it helped ensure Bearings would remain on solid footing well after the campaign.
In 2020, Bearings renovated and opened the first phase of the new 6,000 square foot Garage, with a 2,500-square-foot open workspace, classroom space for in-depth teaching and training, and office space for support staff. In this community hub, all things bike are celebrated, kids are encouraged, and future paths are forged.
Location: Atlanta, GA
Sector: Social, Health, & Human Services
Proudest Moment: Helping Bearings expand its donor base, complete its first capital campaign, and move into a new home.
Coxe Curry Services Utilized: Pre-Study Consulting, Campaign Planning Study, Campaign Consulting