MIAMI, FL (August 17, 2026) – Moonlighter FabLab proudly announces that it has been selected to receive a 2026 capacity-building grant from The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation through its CreARTE grant program. The grant is part of a $720,000 investment supporting 28 organizational capacity-building projects and four collaborative arts ecosystem initiatives across Miami-Dade County.

The 2026 capacity-building grants respond to recurring needs identified by CreARTE grantee partners through site visits, surveys, evaluations, and ongoing conversations with the Pérez Family Foundation. This year’s funding supports organizations in strengthening the infrastructure, leadership, resources and systems needed to build long-term resilience and growth.

Through the grant, Moonlighter FabLab will receive support to hire its first Development Director and work with an expert team to help build the fundraising, grant strategy, and impact measurement systems needed for sustainable growth.

“This support will allow Moonlighter FabLab to build the development capacity we need to grow responsibly, pursue larger and more sustainable funding opportunities, and ultimately bring meaningful arts, design, and STEAM learning experiences to more people of all ages across our community,” said Tom Pupo, Executive Director of Moonlighter FabLab.

The 2026 investment reflects a broader need for organizational capacity across Miami-Dade’s nonprofit arts sector. The Pérez Family Foundation received 56 proposals totaling approximately $2.7 million in requested support, highlighting the demand for resources to strengthen internal operations, leadership, fundraising, communications and technology infrastructure.

Since launching CreARTE in 2019, the Pérez Family Foundation has invested more than $16 million in Miami-Dade arts organizations, supporting initiatives that expand access to the arts, strengthen arts education and create opportunities for artists to live, work and thrive in South Florida.

For more information about Moonlighter FabLab, visit https://www.moonlighterfablab.org 

For more information about the Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation and its CreARTE grant program, visit www.jmperezfamilyfoundation.org.

About The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation
Founded in 2015, The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation at The Miami Foundation (the Pérez Family Foundation) fulfills the philanthropic vision of Jorge M. Pérez, Founding Executive Chairman of The Related Group, and his family to develop South Florida as an exemplary world-class urban center. Now more than a decade into its work, the Pérez Family Foundation promotes sustainable, inclusive and just communities by supporting programs and organizations focused on arts and culture, education, health and well-being, environment and economic development — with a particular preference for initiatives that can serve as models for other urban centers. In total, the Pérez family has committed over $350 million in support of over 360 non-profit organizations, both personally and through the Pérez Family Foundation. 

About The Miami Foundation

The Miami Foundation is building a Greater Miami where everyone can thrive. Since 1967, The Foundation has invested over $905M to strengthen our community in partnership with more than 1,000 fundholders and over 60,000 donors. By accelerating leadership, generosity, and a sense of belonging across Miami, we inspire people to become changemakers, and we create ways for donors, nonprofits, leaders, and locals to work together on solutions for our community. At The Miami Foundation, everyone has a role they can play in creating a thriving Greater Miami.

About Moonlighter FabLab

Moonlighter FabLab is a nonprofit community fabrication laboratory and STEAM learning center located in Miami Beach, Florida. The organization expands access to advanced manufacturing tools, emerging technologies, creative learning, and entrepreneurship through youth education, adult workforce development, community workshops, exhibitions, professional memberships, internships, and it’s annual event, Maker Faire Miami.

Moonlighter FabLab provides access to technologies including 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, electronics, robotics, digital design, and other fabrication processes. Through its partnership with The City of Miami Beach, and partnerships with schools, universities, other government agencies, cultural organizations, businesses, and community groups, Moonlighter FabLab helps makers of all ages transform ideas into prototypes, products, artistic works, public projects, and new professional opportunities.

Media Contact

Moonlighter FabLab
1661 Pennsylvania Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
admin@moonlighterfablab.org
305-699-2041
moonlighterfablab.org