New Project Proposal: SPARC

[Community LIFE Network Inc.]

Hey Heather & Mel,

So we have a new project proposal.  They are an existing program aligned with teaching slam poetry to kids, although it is completely separate from Digital Storytellers and the Berkley Poetry Slam, for now at least.

They currently exist as a sole proprietorship, and if we approve them as a fiscally sponsored project, then it would be easiest to “back” sponsor them through the beginning of the year, and financially record on the entire year of their sole prop bank account, so that it simplifies the 2015 taxes for both of us.  

Their serves the pacifica school district, and they are expanding to an other one this year, serving 500 students weekly as an all year program (except summers). The program currently exists at a $15,000 budget level, and is planning on growing.  That equates to a minimum of $750 per year for the CLN.

They may want to be a spin off long term if they get a lot bigger, but for now would just be a normal fiscally sponsored program.

Let me know by email if you approve of the project.  Otherwise we can talk on the phone or in person as needed. Also you can call Mike at any time if you have questions.

Thats it,

J

Here is the proposal they sent me:

Program DISCRIPTION

SPARC Poetry is a program that teaches spoken word to youth. The Program’s goals are to get kids comfortable with public speaking, proficient in writing, and active in critically thinking about the world they live in. SPARC started out in 2009 as a volunteer project in one class room, and has since spread to six schools in Pacifica, Ca. Most instruction is held during class-time, but there are also a number of after-school clubs and evening events geared towards community involvement.

LEADERSHIP

              The program is run by nationally ranked slam poet, Mike Taylor. He has a passion for teaching. After graduating from San Francisco State, he turned his volunteer poetry project into a successful district-wide program. Casey Gardner, is an accomplished bay area writer and performer. She also graduated from San Francisco State, and has since positively affected the Honey Hive Art Gallery, where she is the Artistic Outreach Coordinator. Aside from teaching, she is a dedicated activist for women and minorities.

PERCENT REVENUE

5%

?’s

Mike Taylor

408 931 1042

[Melissa Vo]

Hi Heather & Jay,

I approve of the CLN's fiscal sponsorship of the SPRAC program. 

It's wonderful to hear that 500 students are served weekly - that's quite a lot for a small start up program. I lived in Pacifica for 6 months and wonderful to hear of good work done in that community.

Jay, 

- Do you know how are they funded at $15K/year? Is it sustainable? At 5% that would be $75/year for CLN which is great.

- I checked out their website - looks great! http://sparcpoetry.org/

Warmly,

Melissa

[Community LIFE Network Inc.]

Hey Melissa,

Heather and me talked it over and both approved the proposal, with the option for back approval through the beginning of the 2015 year for simplified taxes, since this is an existing program.

This will help them a lot to write grants and have the money be tax deductible.

Yay!

Also it is good to note that this brings our budget up to at least $65K per year! Wow!

Until next time,

J

[Melissa Vo]

Hey,

Great to hear! Awesome to hear about the CLN's growing budget and the consensus on the approval to help them become grant-ready. Do let me know if there's anything else I can help with :)

Warmly,

Melissa

[Melissa Vo]

Hey Jay,

Sounds like you had a nice call with Jazz! Would love to hear all about it including the bus. I'm SUPER excited to support SPRAC and will start prospecting funders for them as well as biology youth programs.

 

Friday still works for us. So should we plan on a catch up/work session with just us three for now, and later something not work related with James? Happy to meet anytime after 12pm until night time. 

 

Here's my home address: 2458 Borax Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95051

 

Can't wait to sync up! :)

Warmly,

Melissa

On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 7:28 PM, Jay Blas Jacobo Cabrera <j...@jayslife.net> wrote:

Hi Mel,

Was great to connect.  I have new updates for you from the Berkley Poetry Slam, as well as the BUS project.  

We should also check in about grants for Biology programs.

Hopefully Friday will work out.

Until then,

Jay