Overall, Koch funding has been instrumental in launching and sustaining GoCreate as a community asset

Koch funding for GoCreate is substantial and multi-faceted, primarily through the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation and Koch Industries. It positions the makerspace as "a Koch Collaborative" on Wichita State University's (WSU) Innovation Campus.

Major Koch Pledges and Donations for GoCreate

• $11.25 million overall pledge (announced ~2015–2018): This came from Koch Industries and the Fred and Mary Koch Foundation to support WSU’s Innovation Campus initiatives, with a significant portion dedicated to creating and advancing GoCreate.
• $3.75 million specifically for GoCreate: This funded membership and training assistance for qualifying applicants (e.g., scholarships/subsidies), mentor fellowships, and operational support. It enables reduced or assisted membership fees and community access.
• Ongoing annual support: Recent grants from the Koch Family Foundation (successor/related entity) include:
  • $260,000 in 2024 to WSU Foundation for GoCreate support.
  • $260,000 in 2023.
  • $260,000 (or similar) in 2022.

These contributions help cover programming, accessibility, equipment, and community outreach in the ~18,000–20,000 sq ft facility (with tools like 3D printers, CNC machines, welding stations, etc.). Koch support also extends to branding, events, and partnerships (e.g., Make48 events).

Exact total Koch investment in GoCreate (including building construction, equipment, and multi-year operations) is not fully public in aggregate figures, but the $11.25 million pledge was a foundational gift for the makerspace and related Innovation Campus efforts. WSU and Koch entities describe it as a key driver for the project's launch around 2017. Additional Koch family foundation giving to WSU broadly (hundreds of thousands annually in some years) supports related educational and economic initiatives.

Ty Masterson’s Role and Compensation

Ty Masterson has served as Director of GoCreate since its opening (~2017), a role that aligns with his background in business, construction/home-building, and community/innovation work.

• Salary details: Public records show varying figures over time. One source reports ~$135,000 in 2023. More recent legislative references (2026) cite the director’s annual salary at $228,800 (per Kansas Legislative Research Department). He takes unpaid leave from GoCreate during legislative sessions (typically Jan–April) and does not draw both salaries simultaneously.
• This position is funded through WSU (using Koch and other resources), not directly by the state legislature for his legislative duties, though critics have raised conflict-of-interest concerns given his Senate President role and Koch ties.

Masterson has publicly discussed the value of the makerspace for entrepreneurs, students, and community members.

Broader Koch Support for Ty Masterson

• Employment tie: His long-term directorship at the Koch-supported GoCreate is the most prominent link. Critics (including some Democrats and intra-GOP voices) describe it as indirect Koch support, noting the salary and institutional backing while he holds powerful legislative positions.
• Campaign contributions: Koch Industries and affiliates have contributed to Masterson’s campaigns over the years (e.g., $1,000 noted in older OpenSecrets data), though not at massive scales compared to broader Koch political spending. He receives support from various business interests aligned with Koch priorities (e.g., manufacturing, energy, free-market policies).
• Political context: The Koch network (including Americans for Prosperity) has been influential in Kansas GOP politics. Masterson’s gubernatorial run has drawn commentary linking him to this ecosystem, though he also garners support from Trump-aligned and other Republican factions. Some GOP critics (e.g., Sen. Alicia Straub) have publicly distanced themselves from perceived Koch influence.

Koch entities emphasize philanthropy in education, innovation, and community development in Kansas (their headquarters state), framing GoCreate as advancing STEM, entrepreneurship, and economic growth rather than direct political control.

Overall, Koch funding has been instrumental in launching and sustaining GoCreate as a community asset, with millions in direct grants plus ongoing support. It provides Masterson a professional role outside politics, but this has fueled debates about influence, especially amid his leadership in the Kansas Senate and 2026 gubernatorial bid. For the most current or granular financials, checking WSU Foundation reports, Koch Family Foundation 990s, or state transparency sites would yield more details. Let me know if you'd like me to dig into specific years, related Koch WSU gifts, or political angles!