Most people own things they barely use.
Meanwhile, someone nearby is about to buy that exact same thing.
A ladder. A carpet cleaner. Folding tables. Camping gear. A tool used once. Kids toys that get used for two months and then forgotten in a closet.
We think there's a better way.
The Frenting Community Sharing Program helps neighborhoods, apartment buildings, and community groups create small, local sharing networks. Frenting funds shared-use items for your group to help ignite a new way of living that means buying less and borrowing more.
How it works
Instead of starting with an empty app and hoping people participate, we help communities launch with shared starter items, an organized online network, a real in-person kickoff event, and a simple system for neighbors to rent or share things with each other.
We provide shared starter items
Frenting will fund several high-use items — or one big item — that your community votes on and then shares together. The more people you get to join, the more stuff you'll have access to.
Everything is listed on Frenting
Members browse, book, and coordinate pickup directly through the app. They can also create their own listings to rent or share their own stuff.
Members start using it immediately
The goal is simple: make it easy for your members to try Frenting, then build a shared library of useful stuff that everyone in your circle can use. Your group can monetize your stuff or share it for free — or a mix of both.
The goal isn't just saving money and reducing waste. It's helping people feel a little more connected with each other.
Program Tiers
Communities qualify for different levels of support based on participation and activity.
All tiers are FREE to start and join — these amounts are what Frenting provides to your community!
Start with however many members you have today — and grow into a higher tier as your community becomes more active. More participation means more Frenting-funded items for everyone.
We believe that living a rich life shouldn't require ownership.
Why do people love Frenting? Watch the video to learn what we're all about.
What is Frenting?
Frenting is a private platform where people can share or rent things with neighbors, friends, and trusted communities.
- Some items are shared for free
- Some are rented for a small fee
- Some people use it mostly for borrowing
- Others use it to help offset costs of expensive purchases
Frenting works best when it starts with people who already have some level of trust or shared connection with each other. That's why we're launching community by community.
Why we created Frenting
We believe:
- Sharing useful things creates real-world connection
- Communities become stronger when people rely on each other more
- People don't actually need to own everything they want to use
- Buying less stuff is better for the environment
Something interesting happens when people start sharing practical things:
- A borrowed cooler becomes a conversation.
- A shared grill becomes a cookout with neighbors.
- A loaned folding table becomes a birthday party invitation.
- A rented e-bike becomes a hangout with a friend across town.
Because online tools should support relationships and real human connection — not replace them.
How to Launch a Frenting Circle
Six steps from application to a thriving local sharing network.
Step 1: Apply
Tell us a little about your community.
- Apartment building
- Neighborhood group
- Community center
- Workplace
- Church
- Friend network
- Co-op or another local group
Step 2: Quick Intro Call
We'll schedule a short Zoom conversation to:
- Answer your questions
- Learn about your community
- Make sure there's a good fit
- Talk through logistics and goals
Step 3: Invite Your Community
Once approved, you'll invite people to join your Frenting circle. Community members can:
- Add their own listings
- Browse shared items
- Book and request things they need
Each member is encouraged to add at least one listing — free or paid.
Step 4: Launch Event
Every participating community hosts an in-person launch gathering. Launch events help people:
- Meet each other and vote on their favorite items
- Understand how the website works
- Talk about what they could share and even create their first listings
- Establish trust and accountability from the beginning
You host the local gathering — we'll support it with a staff person, refreshments, and swag.
Step 5: Frenting Provides Shared Items
Your community votes on what would be most useful, and Frenting funds shared items for your group. Communities may choose from items such as:
- Carpet cleaners
- Grills and coolers
- Folding chairs and tables
- Bikes and outdoor gear
- Tool kits and pressure washers
- AV equipment
- Musical instruments
- Sports equipment
- Kids toys and activities
- And more
Step 6: Shared Items Arrive
Typically within a few weeks of the launch party, Frenting procures and places approved shared-use items. Items may be:
- Stored onsite by the community
- Coordinated through a designated pickup location
- Managed through our eastside Madison pickup hub
What kinds of communities are a good fit?
Communities we work with:
- Apartment buildings
- Neighborhood associations / HOAs
- Community centers
- Co-ops
- Churches
- Workplaces
- Parent groups
- Friend networks
- Meetup groups
- Shared-interest communities
Especially communities that:
- Value connection
- Want access to shared resources
- Are interested in saving money or making money for their group
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the shared-use items?
Frenting provides the initial shared-use inventory to use as part of the program but retains ownership. Frenting-owned items remain available to the community as long as the program stays active and the items continue being used respectfully. We reserve the right to remove any items that are not being used or that are sustaining damage or serious wear and tear.
Do items have to be paid rentals?
No. Communities can choose to share items for free, charge small amounts, or mix both approaches.
What if our community grows?
Great! The program is designed to grow over time as more members participate and add listings. You can level up to another tier to get more Frenting-funded items, and there are bonuses available for fast-growing and active groups!
Do we need a lot of storage space?
Not necessarily. Many communities start with compact, high-use items. We can also store items at our eastside Madison pickup / drop-off hub.
Is there a cost to apply?
No. There is no cost to apply, to start a Circle, or to join Frenting as a user. Service fees apply only on paid bookings.
What happens if something is damaged or stolen?
These shared-use items are intended to benefit the whole community, so we ask members to treat them with care. Most communities do well when people know and trust each other. Frenting is designed around local accountability and real relationships — not anonymous online transactions. For individuals renting or borrowing their own items, they can add an optional refundable deposit. For Frenting-funded shared items, additional protections and optional insurance or deposits may be introduced for high-value items. Communities will lose access to shared items if abuse occurs.