Near West Theatre

By: Melissa Levine, Josh

Bastian & Marissa Kabat
Background
● Located in Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood
● Part of Gordon Square Arts District
● Founded 1978 as a youth theatre program
● 1982-83, expanded programming to adults
● Officially becomes 501(c)(3) in 1999
● Governor’s award March 2003
● New building in 2015
Issues
● Lack of Strategic Plan
● Expenses have exceeded revenue for the past few years
● Lost a big chunk of government funding
● Cannot retain donors & gifts from donors are not consistent
● Only have 1 full time and 1 part time employee on the development team
● Need to do target market/donor research and have a useable donor database
(could use foundation center’s help)
● Lack of awareness and communication (need better staff communication)
Development Plan
1. Year 1
a. Develop a culture of Donor Cultivation and Sustainability
i. Utilize Donor Databases and Learn to Identify Target Donors
b. State to the Public the true need of funds (BE MORE TRANSPARENT)
i. Playbill Inserts, Social Media, Email, Direct Mail, Announcements at Performances
2. Year 2
a. Analyze Budget with the Board and Cut Expenses
b. Set-up Board Subcommittee with Monthly Reviews
c. Refine Grant Writing Process
3. Year 3
a. Begin planning Holiday Gala to bring in Donations and Solicit Wealthier Donors
b. Create a Development Team Utilizing Volunteers
Goals
● Balance the budget
● Apply for (and receive) additional grant funding
● Solicit wealthy individuals
● Obtain funding to expand accessibility