A Fine Arts College Prep

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Challenge

Theatre Gap Initiative was founded in 2021, launching as a nonprofit college-prep program for high school graduates who aspire to apply for Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and conservatory programs. TGI’s Tony award-winning Creative Director worked in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system for 25 years. He leveraged his connections in the education, arts, and local community sectors to garner interest in TGI’s mission and vision. During their pilot year, they ran their full program for seven students with an organization budget under $100,000. After attaining a 100% BFA and conservatory program acceptance rate for their first cohort, TGI projected an organizational budget of over $300,000 for their second year. 

Solution

TGI engaged Scribe, LLC as a part of a strategic plan to fundraise and build sustainability for the new organization.

Implementation

Scribe, LLC, pursued local and regional Arts funding for TGI’s programs, securing funding from the NC Arts Council, Arts and Science Council, and a capacity-building grant from the Knight Foundation. Scribe also aligned TGI with DEI and economic mobility initiatives, securing social capital funds from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Foundation and The Plus Collective. As TGI expanded its support services for students, Scribe helped to secure project funds from the Mecklenburg County ABC Board for mental health counseling and substance use prevention, which reinforced program retention and supported students during the intense preparation for college and university. Throughout the engagement, Scribe has been able to build and strengthen TGI’s college and career readiness narrative to appeal to a broader range of funders with interests in education and youth development.

Outcomes

Within the first year of engagement, Scribe worked with TGI to secure over $240,000 in funding, enabling them to serve 10 students in their 2022-2023 cohort confidently. New funding partnerships included the Mecklenburg County ABC Board, the Knight Foundation, Arts and Science Council, Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation, and The Plus Collective. TGI has now served 52 students and has maintained a 100% acceptance rate. Ninety-four percent (49 students) accepted admissions, enrolled, and have persisted in their programs, with the first cohort graduating from UNCSA, the University of Oklahoma, and Rider University this year.