We periodically take the time to reflect on our work at the company, especially when immersed in the demanding process of applying for grants. These grants require us to describe our contributions to the community. Here is our outline:
For seven and a half years we have been providing free acting classes to our diverse community, especially those with limited arts access. Our community consists of Latinos, African-Americans, Indigenous Native people, Filipinos, Asians, individuals from the Azores, immigrants, veterans, military families, and our LGBTQIA+ community. In this agriculture-based area, opportunities like ours are scarce. We are the sole providers of instruction in acting, improv, puppetry, and storytelling. We take great pride in our unique role in the community and aim to continue offering these services. We have witnessed remarkable growth in our young members and improved well-being in adults. Observing this development in a nurturing and accessible environment is significant to us. As the only arts organization offering this service, we are aware that we are enhancing lives, nurturing transferable skills in young individuals, and improving well-being, especially for those from the lower economic strata prevalent in this area. We strongly believe that the performing arts experience enriches the soul and fosters creativity. We must continue providing this performing arts experience by teaching acting, improv, storytelling, and puppetry to enrich our community.
The reality is that we are not alone; there are many others competing for the same grants. I remember the advice from a grant webinar moderator who said, “Don’t rely solely on grants.” Unfortunately, we have. We have to work on other ideas to supplement our mission.
Grants require the development and implementation of specific projects. That's why we have been involved in school programs and have offered workshops and other projects. The grants we have received have helped fund these initiatives. However, there is still a growing need as costs such as rent and electricity continue to rise.
Admittedly, there are nights when I lose sleep. I am constantly checking the mailbox in the hope of a grant check. I search for ways to fund a nonprofit that I believe matters.
