FAQ

Membership Eligibility

ToolBank tools are available solely to nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations. ToolBank tools are not available to individuals and are not to be used for personal benefit or profit. Nonprofits, charitable/tax exempt organizations, schools, PTAs/PTOs, neighborhood associations, faith based groups, civic organizations, and government agencies are eligible to become ToolBank partners and borrow ToolBank tools.

Proof of your organization’s not-for-profit status is required in order to be approved for ToolBank membership, and tools may not be borrowed until documentation is received and confirmed by ToolBank staff. ToolBank staff reserves the right to request additional documentation. Examples of acceptable documentation are listed below.

Acceptable documentation:

  • Nonprofit/Charitable/Tax Exempt
  • Tax exempt determination letter
  • Neighborhood association, Civic organizations, PTAs/PTOs
  • Organization charter
  • Brochure
  • Meeting minutes
  • Registration with local government
  • Faith-based groups
  • Worship schedule
  • Tax exempt determination letter
  • Schools, Government agencies/crisis group
  • Letter briefly outlining the purpose of the school or agency (on school or department letterhead)
  • Scout Troop Charter or Council registration

Once your application is submitted, please email your documentation to Nancy at nancy.clippard@toolbank.org.

There are no limits to the number of contacts per account. We require a minimum of two contacts on each account. One must be the Executive Director/CEO.

Complete applications are usually approved within 1 business day. Once your application is approved, your agency is immediately eligible to borrow tools. Members can submit a tool order at any time by using our new Tool Order System (TOM). It’s fast and easy, and ToolBank staff will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your order and pickup appointment.

ToolBank Partner FAQ


  • Orders must be placed 3 business days in advance of your desired pick-up time.
  • Pickup appointments at our warehouse or delivery appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Our Neighborhood Tool Hubs are available 24/7.
  • Returns are by appointment which will be scheduled during your pickup appointment.
  • Please read our appointment policy carefully.

It is your responsibility to keep track of borrowed tools while they are in your possession. We all know how crazy it can be on work sites, and how hectic it can be working with volunteers. We suggest giving the tool inventory sheet to a volunteer so they can track the items throughout the day. We keep our items labeled with our signature blue paint so they are easy to track and return at the end of the project!

Yes!  We keep a regularly updated document that details our cleaning guidelines. Please review the guidelines carefully before returning your order. 

  • Keep the broken tool and return it with your order on the scheduled return date.
  • We will not charge any replacement fees for the return of a broken tool if it broke due to usual wear and tear.
  • Please note, there are some exceptions to this rule if an item is obviously mistreated. For example, our tents must be properly weighted down and you must read up on the use of fuel in items like generators.
  • We provide tool care guidelines to ensure the correct usage of our inventory. Please pay close attention to those guidelines when borrowing!
  • If the tool is not returned, even if it was broken, we will charge a replacement fee for the tool. The replacement fees for each tool are on the invoice provided at pick-up.
  • You must let us know within 24 hours of picking up if a tool was missing from your order. If only told at drop-off, you will be charged the replacement fee.
  • Please let us know as soon as you can. We can be contacted via email at nancy.clippard@toolbank.org or by phone 713-674-0262. Please note that we are closed on weekends – so please leave a detailed voicemail or email after hours.
  • You will not be charged handling fees or replacement fees for a broken tool.
  • Please keep the tool and return it with the rest of your order. We will try to repair it.
  • Please read our appointment policy careful to fully understand our requirements.
  • Please contact us as soon as you know. We are appointment only, but will work with you if your schedule changes!
  • If you miss your appointment with no notice, your order will only be held until the end of the day.
  • If you’re picking up from an after hours bin:
    • During the week, you have until 8AM the next morning to pick-up your order,
    • Over the weekend, you have until Sunday evening to pick-up your order.
  • Payment is due at the time of pick-up. Invoices will be sent ahead for pickups at Neighborhood Tool Hubs and deliveries. 
  • We accept credit/debit cards and checks only. Cash is not accepted.
  • Checks may be mailed to 1215 Gazin St. Houston, Texas 77020. Make them out to “The Houston Community ToolBank.”