Five Minute Interview: Jim Ricciuti, Passim Folk Music and Cultural Center

Here are some of the artists who have played the Club 47/Passim/Club Passim stage: Joan Baez, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Buffett, Taj Mahal, Bob Dylan, Nanci Griffith, Jackson Browne, Tom Rush, John Prine, Mavis Staples, Dar Williams, Richard Shindell, David Grisman, Doc Watson, Arlo Guthrie, and Lori McKenna.

FS: How do you fund your mission? What fundraising avenues do you use?
JR: Passim Center relies on funding from individual donors, foundations, companies and government agencies. Membership is a large part of what makes Passim great. Individuals receive benefits depending on the level at which they give, ranging from discounts on shows and classes to discounted parking and free shows. Individual donors are engaged in a variety of ways: in person at performances and special events, via the mail, e-mail, as well as by phone.

We seek grants largely for our Culture for Kids program, which connects artists from varying cultures with children of the community who might not necessarily have access to such artistic experiences on a daily basis.

FS: What are your fundraising strengths? Weaknesses?
JR: Membership is a strength of Passim. Each night people see the tangible benefits of membership. They get to experience Passim first hand and can decide what is the right amount to give. Membership has been growing over the years, and individual giving overall has been increasing. One need not become a member to give to Passim. There are those who simply believe Passim is a valuable resource for the community and support us even though they might not attend many performances.

Grants for our Culture for Kids program have increased over the past few years as well. We have developed long-standing relationships with several foundations and are pleased to begin a new relationship last year with another foundation. We are very grateful for their generosity and inspired that they share our vision.