Arts in the Community

We at MacIntyre Associates are working with a wonderful local arts organization- The Oxford Arts Alliance in Oxford, PA. It has been an important part of the Oxford arts and culture scene since 2008. Their gallery is located in downtown Oxford and provides a place for monthly exhibits, music and a variety of art classes in multiple media, summer camps, movies etc. One of my favorites is their Artisan Gift Shop with all items produced for sale by local creative individuals. You get the idea.... the arts are flourishing in this area, developed and run by local leadership.

Check them out at their website www.OxfordArt.org or stop by the Gallery 38 South Third St. in Oxford.

A great example of local initiative which provides a wonderful opportunity to expand arts and cultural experiences as they build bridges with other community activities and resources in the Oxford area.

See you out and about! 

Steps To Successful Development

The Mending Wall 

(excerpt)

Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
 And to whom I was like to give offence. 
Something there is that doesn't love a wall, 
That wants it down.  
by Robert Frost

As you develop your fundraising strategies and activities, this checklist should prove helpful: 

 1. Plan. Build a campaign that is integral to your strategic plan. It should bring you closer to achieving your mission and vision. Set a monetary goal for every initiative.

 2. Involve. Your leadership should own the plan, with the Board, staff, and major supporters taking part in shaping it. Their enthusiasm will build support because they are your primary ambassadors to the community.

 3. Create. Develop a key message, and repeat it in all your fundraising campaigns. The message should connect the value you deliver with your rationale for development activities.

 4. Test. Validate your message with a small group of supporters. Take their comments seriously, and adjust your message as necessary. Establish a financial goal for each activity, and understand your indicators of success.

 5. Target. Identify a spectrum of donors appropriate to each activity: individuals, companies, and foundations. Examine your database and expand where necessary. Solicit small and medium-size gifts that enable as many people as possible to support your efforts. Modest gifts can increase over time as your relationships with donors mature.

 6. Secure. Leadership gifts from your Board, previous donors, and senior staff should be pledged before any campaign goes public. The amount is not as important as the participation level.

 7. Mobilize. Find people in the community, beyond the Board, to serve as a core volunteer base for promoting your goals and contacting potential donors. Provide them with training, specific tasks, and rewards.

This is a good starting point, and remember to look for Part II of this article next month. For more information and support in implementing your development strategies, please contact us at (302) 530-6806 or visit us at www.macintyreassociates.com.  

February Recipe - Winter Salad 

This recipe is adapted from Ina Garten. Her vegetables were slightly different and she didn't add the apple/Chinese pear. I think it's yummy and tastes so fresh you have hope for spring. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup each of julienned red/green cabbage, arugula, Brussel sprouts.

• Amounts can vary but should be in equal proportion

Handful dried cranberries

1/3 cup thinly sliced pear

Oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper for dressing

Shaved parmesan to taste.

With a glass of white wine and a fire this is a perfect lunch.