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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-589-E-Arts Commission-Musical Empowerment-2023-24 Arts GrantsGRASSROOTS ARTS PROGRAM / ARTIST PROJECT GRANT 2023-24  Grantee Name  Authorizing Official  Project Title     Award   Grant Category   ☐Artist Project Grant Program Funding Source   Date   End Date   OCAC Report Due  ☐Grassroots Arts Program ☐North Carolina Arts Council  ☐ Orange County July 1, 2023 June 30, 2024 Monday, July 15, 2024 Stipulations   ☐Grantee must spend $  on the hiring of multicultural artists specified in  the grant application. ☐Grantee must properly credit the Orange County Arts Commission using the proper logo on all publicity materials for the funded program. Recipients of operations‐related grants must include the OCAC logo with link to www.artsorange.org on grantee’s website.  Download logos on the OCAC website at https://artsorange.org/grants/grantee‐resources ☐Grantee must properly credit the Orange County Arts Commission and the N.C. Arts Council using the proper logos and N.C. Arts Council credit line on all publicity materials for funded program. Recipients of operations‐related grants must include the OCAC logo with link to www.artsorange.org and N.C. Arts Council logo, credit line, and link to www.ncarts.org on grantee’s website. Download logos and view proper credit line language on the OCAC website at https://artsorange.org/grants/grantee‐resources ☒The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits, and performances (virtual or in‐ person) open to the public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts Commission website at www.artsorange.org/events. In addition, the Grant Recipient must add a link to www.artsorange.org  (Orange County Arts Commission logo preferred) to their main webpage. Staff Contact  Katie Murray, Director  (919)245‐2335 | kmurray@orangecountync.gov Musical Empowerment Kelley Downey Executive Director Living Wage Salary Support for Musical Empowerment $6,400.00 4 4 4 4 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 1 Revised August 2022 ORANGE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION 2023-24 GRANT AGREEMENT THIS AGREEMENT, entered into this 29 day of September, 2023, by and between Orange County ("County"), by and through the Orange County Arts Commission ("Arts Commission") and ("Grant Recipient"). WHEREAS, the Arts Commission is a countywide arts agency that ensures the growth of local arts experiences by providing funding and support for diverse high quality programs and projects. WHEREAS, the Arts Commission administers the annual Grants Program to provide economic opportunities to Orange County artists and non-profit organizations coordinating arts projects benefiting the citizens of Orange County. WHEREAS, the annual Arts Grants Program is supported by Arts Commission with funds from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, a state agency. WHEREAS, the Grant Recipient was selected by the Arts Commission to receive the annual Arts Grant through the procedures duly adopted by the Arts Commission; and WHEREAS, both parties wish to promote and maintain the integrity and clarity of the Grant Recipient's ideas and statements and delineate the Grant Recipient’s obligations to the County; NOW, THEREFORE, the County and the Grant Recipient, for the consideration and under the conditions hereinafter set forth, agree as follows: 1.Approved Grant Project. Grant funds are provided under this Agreement for the project (“Project”) described in the Grant Recipient’s Grant Application, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A. 2.Grant Award. Grant funds in an amount not to exceed ($ ) have been awarded by the Arts Commission to the Grant Recipient for the approved Project. The Recipient shall be required to match funds at least dollar-for-dollar with cash from the Grant Recipient’s funds not derived from either Orange County appropriations or the North Carolina Arts Council, as outlined in the attached Exhibit A. 3.Contingency. This grant is contingent on North Carolina Arts Council Grassroots Program funding to the Arts Commission. Final decisions on Grassroots Program funds to the North Carolina Arts Council are subject to approval by the North Carolina General Assembly. 4.Responsibilities of the Grant Recipient Musical Empowerment six thousand four hundred dollars $6,400.00 DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 2 Revised August 2022 A.Implementation. The Project implementation shall take place between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. The Project shall be implemented in the manner described in Exhibit A. Time is of the essence in the implementation of the Project. B.Modifications to project. Grant Recipient shall present major changes to the original proposal, including but not limited to changes in design, implementation schedule and increase in Project budget by more than 10%, in writing to the Arts Commission for approval. Arts Commission shall approve or disapprove Grant Recipient’s request for modifications within seven (7) days of receipt thereof. Consent to project modifications shall not be unreasonably withheld. Arts Commission’s decisions shall be in writing. In the event the Arts Commission fails to approve or disapprove the requested modifications within the time stated herein, the modifications shall be deemed approved. C.Non–assignment. The grant cannot be assigned or transferred to a different project or artist without prior written approval of the Arts Commission. D.Records. Grant Recipient must maintain records and other evidence pertaining to costs incurred and revenues acquired during the Project implementation. Grant Recipient shall maintain financial records pertaining to the Project for three (3) years from the date of this Agreement, in case of audit. E.Use of Funds. Grant Recipient shall not use the grant funds to repay outstanding taxes or other debts of any nature. The grants shall be utilized solely for the purpose described in the attached Exhibit A. F.Final Report. Grant Recipient shall submit to the Arts Commission a Final Report on July 15, 2024. The Final Report shall be in the format required by the North Carolina Arts Council. Failure to submit the Final Report or late submission of the Final Report, for any reason, shall be grounds for denial and/or cancellation of grant funds for the Project and future grant proposals. 5.Responsibilities of the Arts Commission A.Payment. The Arts Commission shall release the grant funds in the amount of $ to the Grant Recipient. 6.Publicity A.Acknowledgement. Credit must be given to the Orange County Arts Commission and/or the North Carolina Arts Council using the proper logo(s) and credit line in brochures, news releases, programs, and all other printed and online publications. Copies of such printed materials must accompany the evaluation report. Official Orange County Arts Commission and North Carolina Arts Council logos may be downloaded at www.artsorange.org/grantee-resources and may not be altered in any way. When no printed information is used, verbal $6,400.00 DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 3 Revised August 2022 credit shall be given. In addition, all print and promotional material must include the following credit line and logo(s) (check all that apply): i.County Funds Only. Orange County Arts Commission logo required. Credit line required for audio projects: “This program is supported by the Orange County Arts Commission.” ii.North Carolina Arts Council Funding. The Orange County Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council logos are required. Credit line: “This program is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.” B.The Grant Recipient must enter all events, exhibits, and performances open to the public and related to this grant award on the Orange County Arts Commission website at www.artsorange.org/events. In addition, the Grant Recipient must add a link to www.artsorange.org (Orange County Arts Commission logo preferred) to their main webpage. 7.Indemnity. The Grant Recipient agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County, the Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council and their officers and employees from any and all claims or actual injury, damage or loss to a person, or real or personal property that results from or is in any way connected to the use of the grant funds. 8.Independent Contractor. The Grant Recipient is an independent contractor and not an employee, agent or other representative of the County and/or the Arts Commission. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to create the relationship of principal and agent, or employer and employee, between Grant Recipient and Arts Commission or Orange County Government. Grant Recipient understands and agrees that he/she is not authorized to incur any expenses or any liability whatsoever on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission and has no authority, expressed or implied, to obligate or make representations on behalf of the County or the Arts Commission. In addition, Grant Recipient agrees to maintain his or her own worker's compensation insurance for himself/herself and his or her employees for the duration of the art work's installation. 9.Termination A.In the event of any of the circumstances set forth below (hereinafter referred to as “default”), the Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement: (i)Any fraudulent representation in any verification required to obtain payment under this Agreement or other dishonesty on a material matter relating to the performance of services under this Agreement. (ii)Nonperformance, incomplete service or performance, or failure to satisfactorily perform any part of the Project or to comply with any provision of this Agreement, as determined by the Arts Commission in its sole discretion. 4 4 DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 4 Revised August 2022 (iii)Failure to adhere to the terms of applicable county, state or federal laws, regulations, or stated public policy. B.In the event of default by the Grant Recipient, the Arts Commission has the discretion to elect to terminate this Agreement, in whole or in part and/or require the Grant Recipient to repay the grant funds within seven (7) from written notice of default or allow the grant recipient the opportunity to cure the default. This clause shall not be interpreted to limit the County’s or the Arts Commission’s remedies in law or in equity. 10.Miscellaneous. A.Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the attachments contain the final and entire understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. All modifications and amendments to this Agreement shall be in writing. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, their heirs, successors and assigns. B.Governing Law. Governing Law and Priority: Both parties agree that this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina and Orange County. Grant Recipient shall at all times remain in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations including but not limited to all state and federal anti-discrimination laws, policies, rules, and regulations and the Orange County Non-Discrimination Policy and Orange County Living Wage Policy (each policy is incorporated herein by reference and may be viewed at http://www.orangecountync.gov/departments/purchasing_division/contracts.php.). Any violation of this requirement is a breach of this Agreement and Arts Commission may immediately terminate this Agreement without further obligation on the part of the Arts Commission. This paragraph is not intended to limit and does not limit the definition of breach to discrimination. By executing this Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.58. By executing this Agreement the Grant Recipient certifies that they has not been identified, and has not utilized the services of any agent or subcontractor identified, on the list created by the State Treasurer pursuant to G.S. 147-86.81. By executing this Agreement Grant Recipient affirms they are and shall remain in compliance with Article 2 of Chapter 64 of the North Carolina General Statutes. In determining the basic services to be provided, should any documents be referenced in or attached to this Agreement, the terms herein shall have priority in any conflict between the terms of referenced documents and the terms of this Agreement. C.Dispute Resolution: Neither party may initiate binding arbitration. Any disputes shall be resolved by nonbinding mediation. If such mediation fails either party may initiate litigation to resolve the dispute. Should either party initiate litigation to settle any dispute involving the terms of this Agreement such litigation shall be DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 5 Revised August 2022 initiated in the General Court of Justice of North Carolina seated in Orange County, North Carolina. D.Signatures. This Agreement together with any amendments or modifications may be executed electronically. All electronic signatures affixed hereto evidence the intent of the Parties to comply with Article 11A and Article 40 of North Carolina General Statute Chapter 66. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Orange County and the Grant Recipient have signed this Grant Agreement, effective on the last date this Agreement is signed by both parties as indicated by the dates set forth under signatures below. For and on behalf of the Grant Recipient Date For and on behalf of Orange County Government Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager Date Kelley Downey Executive Director DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 10/11/2023 10/13/2023 6 Revised August 2022 ORANGE COUNTY—DEPARTMENT USE ONLY Department Party/Vendor Name: Party/Vendor Contact Person: Contact Phone: Party/Vendor Address: City State: NC Zip: Department: COUNTYMGR/Arts Commission Amount: Purpose: 2023-24 Arts Grants Budget Code(s):30601020-683000-96060 Vendor # (N/A if new vendor) Vendor is a BOCC consultant? Yes No Contract Type: (Check one) New Renewal Amendment Effective No Date 9-29-2023 Approved by Board Yes Agenda Date: This agreement is approved as to technical form and content: Department Director’s Signature Date: Information Technologies (Applicable only to hardware/software purchases or related services) This agreement has been reviewed and is approved as to information technology content and specifications: Office of the Chief Information Officer Date: Risk Management This agreement is approved for sufficiency of insurance standards, specifications, and requirements: Office of the Risk Management Officer Date: Financial Services This instrument has been pre-audited in the manner required by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act: Office of the Chief Financial Officer Date: Legal Services This agreement is approved as to legal form and sufficiency: Office of the County Attorney Date: Clerk to the Board Received for record retention: All Docusign contracts must be copied to Laura Jensen upon completion @ljensen@orangecountync.gov The following signature block is for hard copies only and is not required for Docusign contracts: Office of the Clerk to the Board _Date:_ Musical Empowerment Kelley Downey 9198185764 117 W. Main St.Carrboro 27510 $6,400.00 65222 DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 10/10/2023 10/13/2023 10/13/2023 10/13/2023 Orange County Arts Commission Powered by Submittable Title Musi cal Empowerment by Executiv e Director in 2023-24 Grassroots Arts Program Grant Application 117 W. Main Street, Suite B2 Carrboro, North Carolina 27510 North Carolina United States 9198185764 admin@musical-empowerment.org 06/14/2023 id. 40754107 Original Submission 06/14/2023 APPLICANT INFORMATION Please tell us about your organization. Organization Name Musical Empowerment Mailing Address of Organization 117 W . Main St. How did you hear about our grant program? OCAC Enews Did you or a representative of your orgnanization attend one of our grants training sessions? No Nature of Organization Arts Organization Organization Description Musical Empowerment combines the life-changing benefits of music and mentorship to impact the lives of students and their collegiate mentors. Musical Empowerment is a 501 (c)(3) organization that serves elementary through high school-aged children. W e believe access should be provided to all students regardless of race, socioeconomic status, academic standing, or musical ability. For nearly 20 years, Musical Empowerment has provided equitable music education and nurtured meaningful relationships between collegiate mentors and low-income students who have reduced access to music programs. Students at Musical Empowerment (ME) participate in a unique mentorship experience where they are paired with a collegiate mentor and provided free weekly one-on-one music lessons. Students utilize a loaned instrument DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 of their choice, which becomes their own after three years of use. Most importantly, collegiate mentors act as positive role models for low-income youth. They teach critical skills that music education provides, such as time management, discipline, creativity, and dedication. The organization was founded as a student organization at UNC in 2002 and now has chapters operating at five North Carolina universities (as well as two out-of-state chapters in New Hampshire and New York). The national office is based in Carrboro, NC. Over 300 student/mentor pairs participate each semester. 75% of the families served are low-income, and 66% of the children enrolled are people of color. 100% of the families surveyed indicated they could not afford music lessons without ME programming. Our Mission- Creating equitable access to music education by pairing children with college mentors to inspire resilience and confidence through free one-on-one music lessons. Our Vision- A world where music is a catalyst for all children to unlock their unique potential. Therefore, our goals are to: -Promote access to music education for communities with underfunded music programs. -Foster the development of creativity, discipline, and confidence in children from marginalized backgrounds, giving them the tools they need to excel in their future endeavors. -Forge mentorship between college students and youth in their respective communities by creating a space where people from diverse backgrounds can learn from each other. -Collaborate with other music and arts organizations, university programs, and businesses to harness social capital and meet the growing demand for music education. Our Values- ME believes in: -the intrinsic power of music to transform lives -the importance of mentorship to inspire greatness -investing in our children to unlock their unique potential -compassion, respect, and dignity toward all -the importance of personal and institutional accountability and discipline Team - ME has two full-time staff members; both are women (50% of the group identifies as BIPOC). W e are proud to have a diverse board of seven directors. The National Board Chair and 42% of the directors are BIPOC. The board comprises four women (57%) and three men with ages varying from grad student to retiree. Diverse lived experiences of ME board members include low-income childhood, single parent(s), and first- generation college graduate(s). 100% of our board members are donors committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at ME. Has your organization undergone any Diversity, Equity, and ME is dedicated to equitable access to music education for elementary through high school-aged children regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, socioeconomic status, religious background, sexual orientation and identity, academic standing, or musical abilities. W e serve children from DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 Inclusion (DEI) training? If so, please explain. If not, please explain any barriers that have prevented you from receiving this training. populations who have been historically marginalized, subjected to systemic discrimination, and excluded from full participation in society, so they can participate in music-making within their communities. W e recognize the intersectional nature of addressing social issues, specifically aiming to serve low-income individuals, people of color, and children from immigrant families. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are interwoven in our mission and strategic plan. Musical Empowerment works in partnership with The Equity Paradigm, The Refugee Support Network, and Racial Equity Institute to provide the following: document translations for Spanish and Karen (Burmese) speaking families, a community racial equity workshop, culturally responsive teaching seminars, board training, and continuing education for staff. A free DEI library was created for use by the staff, board, and community to check in-out personal development books as needed. Since 2018 ME has been in a contract with The Equity Paradigm, a Black and woman-owned consulting firm from Durham, NC that specializes in racial equity training. The relationship with this firm began with an organizational assessment and has grown to include board training, community workshops, organizational Q&A sessions, and documentation audits to evaluate for inclusive language. In April 2020, the board worked together to develop our own DEI pledge and incorporated DEI into our strategic plan with a commitment to continue growing and learning as an organization. In January 2023, Ayeza Nxumalo was elected as the first black woman board chair. Under her leadership, ME continues the commitment to learn and grow together and in these last twelve months: -Fall 2023 rollout of new MUSIC curriculum booklets that feature culturally responsive content such as composers of color and music from around the world -DEI liaison one-pagers are created and distributed each fall to each chapter to outline the demographics of the chapter compared to the demographics of the community. -Sponsored training for students, mentors, and alumni for virtual Racial Equity offerings from The Equity Paradigm. -A continued partnership with the Refugee Community Partnership where ME provides guitar workshops and Refugee Community Partnership provides document translations (ESL students/families who speak Spanish or Karen). -Free DEI library and resource bank that include books and resources for volunteers and families to access. **ME's DEI Pledge: Through music and mentorship, we at Musical Empowerment commit to engaging in a proactive dialogue regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. W e will embrace ongoing opportunities to listen, learn and grow to strengthen our anti-racist organization and work toward an equitable society.** DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 During FY22-23, will your organization receive operational support funding from the North Carolina Arts Council or the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources? No Organization's EIN 454589282.0 Organization W ebsite https://musical-empowerment.org/ Authorizing Official's Name Kelley Downey Authorizing Official's Title Executive Director Authorizing Official's Phone 9198185764 Authorizing Official's Email kdowney@musical-empowerment.org Applicant Race W hite Financial Overview FinancialOv erv iew_Submittable.xlsx Organizational Financial Statements Musical_Empowerment_2022_1.pdf ED_2022_Approv ed_Budget_1.pdf 2023_Musical_Empowerment__Approv ed_Budget.pdf 2021_Federal_Tax_Return_Documents_MUSICAL_EMPOW ERMENT_IN_2.pdf DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 Deficit/Surplus Thankfully, we were able to use reserves after the pandemic hit and our income streams were less consistent. In 2022 we budgeted extra for the 3- part 20th Anniversary Event Series. Individuals donated more than ever in 2022, but unfortunately, the amount of grant funding was drastically down compared to 2021. Below are Compared Funding Sources from 2019 - 2022 2019 2020 2021 2022 Corporate $1,400 1% $20,000 21% $0 $16,100 9% Grants $197,000 81% $21,000 22% $139,000 67% $26,700 16% Events $13,000 5% $4,000 4% $0 $17,948 11% Individuals $31,000 13% $35,000 36% $69,000 33% $105,812 62% Misc - chapter fees $1,600 1% $16,000 17% $0 $3,400 2% Total $244,000 $96,000 $208,000 $169,960 Are you an entity of UNC-Chapel Hill or another unit of state government? No PROJECT/PROGRAM INFORMATION Tell us about your project or program Title of Grant Request Living W age Salary Support for Musical Empowerment Grant Amount Requested 8,000 Is the person in charge of this program or project different from the Authorizing Official? No W hat are you requesting funding for? Operational expense (arts organizations ONLY) DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 Request Summary Students and their collegiate mentors meet for weekly music lessons and mentorship in a community space. Music mentorship enables kids to develop discipline, responsibility, patience, and confidence through learning to play an instrument, practicing regularly, performing for the community, and working one-on-one with their college student mentor to set and achieve their goals. Each chapter hosts an end-of-semester recital for children to perform and share what they learned with their mentor. This event helps children build confidence and grow their social capital with community members. Research shows that learning music builds self- confidence, creativity, and discipline. ME creates a space in which people from diverse backgrounds can learn from each other through music. The need for music education and the arts is increasing outside of the traditional classroom due to funding cuts and societal inequities. ME is a program that not only teaches and mentors youth in the arts but increases access and provides opportunities for children who might not otherwise have them. The national staff is based in Carrboro, NC. Executive Director Kelley Downey and Program Director Katie Battle are two full-time staff members. Kelley works with the Board of Directors to oversee the vision and growth of ME, seeks new chapters and opportunities for expansion, and leads grant writing and fundraising for the organization. Katie is a former Durham Public School Teacher (music, band, orchestra) who provides teaching resources, supports and guides chapter leaders, develops and executes teacher training, manages chapters, and conducts background checks for all mentors. DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 Organizational Goals ME Program Goals -Continued growth (increase in the number of students/mentors participating in the program) -Improved quality (new M.U.S.I.C. curriculum booklets and quality instruments) -Stronger Evaluations (updated surveys, Fall 2023 Historical Study) The impact of grant investments will be measured with the following objectives by 2024: -350 children will enroll in the M.E. program (matched 1-on-1 with a collegiate mentor, receive an instrument and free weekly lessons). -100% of the student/mentor pairs will receive a printed and digital version of the M.U.S.I.C. Booklets. -200 students will perform at the end-of-semester recitals: a tool for children to set personal goals, achieve success, and perform music they diligently practice. -60% of youth served will be people of color, allowing the organization to continue its initiative to serve minorities. -90% of families served will be low-income families who are unable to afford music lessons or participate in a costly music program. -75% of children will report an improvement in academics. Children who are highly involved in the arts are more likely to graduate high school and create prosperous futures. -80% of children will report an increase in self-confidence that will last outside of music classes, creating more determined and high-achieving individuals. How will you evaluate whether or not your goals have been met? Efficacy and Impact: ME measures success and effectiveness through quantitative data (number of children enrolled, survey results), qualitative data (testimonials), and patterns noted using our program software system (participation, retention). -Parents, students, and mentors complete evaluation surveys at the end of each semester. These evaluations track the child’s musical growth, progress of the mentor/mentee relationships, academic improvement, self- confidence, and communication skills, among others. -Testimonials reflect the anecdotal experiences from all parties involved and help troubleshoot and/or highlight methods others can adopt. The responses help to track student progress over time and inform changes to the curriculum and mentoring for future semesters. -A Historical Study was conducted in 2021 and showed that most participants reported a positive overall experience (students 100%, mentors 98%, parents 97%). ME has experience evaluating the impact of key funders in special projects and has frequently prepared timely impact reports for major partners, including The Kenan Charitable Trust Foundation, Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, the Oak Foundation, United W ay of the Greater Triangle, Triangle Community Foundation, and more. DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 How do you promote and publicize the work of your organization? ME has a strong digital presence, which includes weekly social media posts (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Youtube), a monthly newsletter, and a robust website. For the 20th Anniversary series, ME engaged print and TV/radio to advertise the free and accessible arts content for the community. Advocacy: ME staff has been involved in the NCArts Day initiative for the past two years. Community members, nonprofit leaders, and other members of the arts community collectively speak with members of the NC Legislature to pressure statewide change and more support for the arts in schools and the community. Aligned with our goal of overcoming barriers to music education, we partner with other NC arts leaders to effect change for all our communities. Please describe efforts by your organization to generate revenue. ME has had diverse funding sources since 2019 and has survived the pandemic by being reactive and agile. Moving forward, the goal is to have more sustainable funding streams for the organization and to thrive with proactive strategic plans to reach by EOY 2024. -Individuals: Recruit alumni (former college mentors) to be monthly donors - > Goal = 100 alumni by 2024 -Corporations: Collaborating with businesses in each college community -> Goal = corporate support from each of the three states where chapters operate (NC, NY, NH) Events can often cost ME more resources (time/money) to plan and execute than the dollars collected; therefore, our event opportunities are limited. Resumes of artists/administrators KelleyDowney2023Resume.pdf Board of Directors List Board_of_Directors_2023.docx IRS Tax Exemption 501c3_Verification_Letter_-_Musical_Empowerment.pdf W ork Samples 2022_Impact_Report_single.pdf First_time_EOY_Letter_2022.pdf Social_Media_Posts_InstagramFacebook_Newsletters.pdf Video Sample: External Link 1 https://youtu.be/6W DHpEZc8B8 Video Sample: External Link 2 https://youtu.be/YiRqBvdbeaY Video Sample: External Link 3 https://youtu.be/6rj-ruN9CIY DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0 Letters of support (optional) DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0