Creative Arts Workshops for Kids, Inc.
Creative Arts Workshops for Kids (CAW) uses the visual and performing arts to help youth in East Harlem confront and deal with life issues. CAW develops art programs that empower youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to voice their needs, enhance their self-esteem, build social skills and learn about their shared community experiences. They first became involved with Youth I.N.C. through Celebration 2001, raising $7,500, which was a significant amount for their organization at the time. Recognizing areas for growth and improvement, CAW joined Youth, I.N.C.’s Board Management and Development program.
Strategic Planning – A Turning Point
In the program, CAW struggled to “click” with potential new board members and faced several internal hurdles that hurt the organization’s fundraising capabilities. The turning point for CAW began in March of 2001, when a new leader took over the role of Board President and helped the organization develop a strategic plan. Working with a Youth, I.N.C. sponsored consultant, CAW analyzed the internal and external factors impacting the organization’s success. They also identified 4 objectives relating to their programmatic and financial growth to focus on over the course of the next 2-4 years.
Working with the CAB – It’s a Match!
In early 2003, CAW met with a member of the Youth I.N.C. Consulting Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB member assisted CAW in developing a strategic leadership approach to governing their Board and organization and as a result CAW formed Board committees that were implemented in the spring of 2003. CAW was matched with a second member of the CAB to help recruit new Board members. By the spring of 2004, CAW voted on 2 new board members recruited by the CAB. The new Board members served as Co-Chairs for Celebration 2004 and raised over $16,000 – 22% of their total $76,375. These new Board members also joined CAW’s Finance Committee. CAW is on track to raise $85,000 in 2005, an increase of over 1000% from their first year!
Another Connection - Real Estate
Youth, I.N.C. was contacted by a staff member of Newmark Real Estate who expressed interest in helping nonprofits with real estate issues. CAW had identified the need to find a new permanent location, so Youth, I.N.C. introduced Newmark to CAW. CAW met with the Chairman of Newmark who agreed to donate office space to CAW and the Managing Director of Newmark joined the CAW’s Board of Directors.
Creative Arts Workshops for Kids, Inc. is an excellent model organization illustrating the benefits of participating in Youth, I.N.C.'s Board Management and Development Program. CAW was an organization facing many obstacles; however they were open and willing to incorporate the suggestions and ideas that came about through the Board Management and Development Program. In addition, CAW welcomed their new Board members and quickly utilized their expertise to the benefit of the organization. With a combination of a strong staff and motivated board, CAW is an organization poised to be successful with their programming and fundraising into the future.
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