Bau’s Blaug
The latest news from “the Big Cheese” - Executive Director Bau Graves.
Hard Times
The chilly winds that have been blowing through banks and brokerage houses are shaking the windows and rattling the walls at Old Town School. But so far the bright glow of community that warms these halls is keeping the financial blizzard outside. In other words – we’re suffering from the same challenges in raising money that face every nonprofit, but class registrations are robust and continue to keep the School in solid financial health.
What does this mean for 2009 and beyond? The Capital Campaign for our new facility across Lincoln Avenue continues with our dedicated and experienced team of staff, volunteers and consultants. Our architect is days away from completion of design development for a state-of-the-art(s), LEED-certified, music and dance facility, and we are now beginning the zoning/permitting process. Most of our fundraising efforts in the next year will be devoted to pursuing commitments from large institutional donors, with the expectation that we will be able to break ground in 2010. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this exciting new phase in the School’s evolution.
With some belt-tightening, Old Town School is proposing a balanced budget for 2009. Since fundraising for next year must necessarily be projected very conservatively, this means that every expenditure has been scrutinized very carefully. The School is delivering its product with a high level of efficiency – every donated dollar is stretched as far as it can go. Fortunately, the School continues to enjoy a very high percentage of earned income through class registrations, ticket sales, and our music stores – about 87% in 2009. This is eloquent testimony to the core idea that is the arts are for everybody, and to our talented faculty who prove that it is true every day. When times are hard, it’s a good time to pick up an instrument and sing together.
We’re now firing up our fall Membership Campaign. Old Town School Memberships support community access programs such as financial aid, outreach to public schools, and free weekly performances. We hope you’ll choose to extend your generosity in support of these important programs. Our role is to nurture a celebratory aspect of the human spirit that soars when it is needed the most – in trying times like these. Communal music making: it’s a renewable heat source that we keep burning seven days a week to keep those icy winds at bay. It works for bankers and brokers, too.
Filed under: Uncategorized by Bau | November 17, 2008 | Comments (1)
