Community-funded
Help Us Open the Doors
Stone’s Throw Coffee is being built with community support from the ground up.
Supporting our GoFundMe is one of the best ways to help us open as quickly as possible. Every donation helps us move closer to building a sober-friendly, queer-owned coffee shop where people can gather, create, organize, rest, and belong.
Donor appreciation
Support Tiers
Every donation gets a thank-you. Here’s what we’re offering at each level as a small expression of our gratitude.
- A thank-you on our donor wall, ready for opening day.
- A thank-you on our donor wall.
- An invitation to the soft opening for a first look before doors open to the public.
- A thank-you on our donor wall.
- An invitation to the soft opening.
- One free Stone’s Throw merch item of your choice at the soft opening.
- A thank-you on our donor wall.
- An invitation to the soft opening.
- One free merch item of your choice at the soft opening.
- Exclusive first-year supporter discounts on select drinks or merch.
Soft opening invitations and merch will be coordinated through the GoFundMe and Facebook after your contribution is processed. We’ll share coordination details through GoFundMe updates and Facebook as opening gets closer.
Recognition
Donor Wall
Every donation will have the option to be recognized on our donor wall, ready for opening day. Whether you give $5 or $500, if you want your name on that wall, it will be there.
You choose whether to be listed publicly. Anonymous donations are just as valued — and just as impactful.
Beyond the dollar
Other Ways to Help
Money is not the only way to support Stone’s Throw. We also welcome help from people with:
Trades & construction
Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, tiling — any hands-on build skills.
Art & design
Visual art, illustration, graphic design, signage, interior styling, mural work.
Tools & supplies
Equipment, furniture, fixtures, or materials we can borrow, buy, or put to use.
Organizing & outreach
Community organizing experience, event planning, flyers, tabling, or just spreading the word.
Community connections
Know a vendor, a local press contact, a grant source, or someone who should know about us?
Other expertise
Legal, accounting, web, social media, accessibility consulting, writing — all helpful.
If you have something to contribute, reach out through our Facebook page or our contact page. We’re genuinely grateful for all of it.
Questions
Common questions
Do I have to donate to come in once you’re open?
Not at all. The GoFundMe helps us cover opening costs and equipment. Once we’re open, Stone’s Throw is open to everyone — no membership, no minimum purchase, no pressure. Just walk in.
What happens if the GoFundMe doesn’t reach its goal?
We’re still opening. Our GoFundMe goal helps us get there sooner and better-equipped. Every dollar raised directly reduces how much we need to borrow or sacrifice on equipment and build-out. Contributions matter at any level.
Is Stone’s Throw really queer-owned?
Yes. Stone’s Throw is co-owned by Casey and Zoey Stone, who are both LGBTQ+. This is personal, not just branding — creating a genuinely welcoming space for LGBTQIA2S+ people, allies, and neighbors is the whole point.
What does “sober-friendly” mean?
We’re a coffee shop, not a bar. Our space and events are designed to be genuinely welcoming to people in recovery, those who are sober-curious, and anyone who just prefers a night out that doesn’t revolve around alcohol. No alcohol will be served.
Can I contribute supplies or skills instead of money?
Absolutely. See the “Other ways to help” section above — we welcome trades, art, tools, organizing help, community connections, and professional expertise. Reach out through our Facebook page or contact page.
Ready to help?
Every contribution — dollars, skills, tools, or signal boosts — brings us closer to opening day. Thank you for believing in this space.
Need support beyond coffee? See our Queer Resources in Knoxville.