Case Study
Revitalizing a Community Arts & Culture Hub Through Sustainable Funding
Client Profile
A nonprofit arts and culture organization facing financial instability, seeking a sustainable funding model to support local artists, maintain its historic venue, and expand community programming.
Introduction
A beloved arts and culture hub, once a thriving center for creativity and community, faced an uncertain future. With dwindling funds, shrinking audiences, and rising costs, the venue’s closure seemed inevitable. For the artists and residents who relied on its programs, this wasn’t just about losing a stage - it was about losing a space where culture, connection, and expression flourished. Harvey & Smith Impact stepped in with a vision: to not only save the venue but to build a financial foundation that would sustain it for generations to come. A longstanding arts and culture hub faced declining funding, making it difficult to sustain programming, pay artists, and maintain its venue. Traditional grants were insufficient, and ticket sales alone couldn’t cover costs. Without intervention, the community risked losing a vital space for local artists, performances, and educational programs. Harvey & Smith Impact collaborated with the organization to craft a sustainable funding strategy that ensured long-term viability while strengthening its role as a community anchor.
Challenges
Financial Instability: Dependence on unpredictable grants and ticket sales created revenue shortfalls.
Limited Community Engagement: Without new funding sources, the organization struggled to expand programming and outreach.
Operational Costs: Maintaining a historic venue required a steady funding stream beyond one-time grants.
The Solution & Impact
Harvey & Smith Impact developed a multi-source funding approach, ensuring a balanced and sustainable revenue model:
Secured $85,000 in funding through a blend of strategic funding sources, ensuring both immediate relief and long-term sustainability for the organization through a combination of municipal grants, foundation support, and donor engagement.
Expanded Arts Programming: Increased community engagement by launching new workshops and performances, serving 200+ local artists.
Corporate Sponsorships & Naming Rights: Partnered with businesses to secure annual sponsorships, stabilizing operational funding.
Launched a Membership & Subscription Model: Implemented tiered memberships offering exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access, increasing recurring individual donations by 40%.
Earned Revenue Strategy: Developed a revenue-generating venue rental program, providing an ongoing income source for the organization.
Strengthened Community Ties: By forging strategic partnerships with local businesses, schools, and grassroots initiatives, the venue became more than just an arts space—it transformed into a hub for collaboration, education, and shared cultural experiences. Created strategic partnerships with local businesses and schools to support arts education initiatives.
Our Approach
Community Assessment: Conducted an in-depth financial and operational analysis to identify gaps and opportunities for sustainable revenue generation.
Multi-Source Funding Strategy: Developed a diversified funding approach, securing support from municipal, foundation, corporate, and individual sources.
Strategic Partnerships: Established collaborations with corporate sponsors, community organizations, and local businesses to ensure long-term investment.
Earned Income Initiatives: Designed a rental and membership model to generate sustainable revenue beyond grant funding.
Capacity Building: Provided training on financial sustainability, donor cultivation, and strategic funding diversification.
