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

We created a compelling sponsorship proposal, list of prospects and a committee to carry out the solicitations. Yet, we yielded little results. Had we a larger staff, we could have done things differently, but we are pleased with the effort we made. It was an important process to go through. We have made contacts that may lead to success down the line. Also, it was an avenue of fundraising that must be explored. From this process we learned more about ourselves as an organization and that is always a good thing!

FS: What advice would you give to organizations similar to yours, in size and annual operating budget?
JR: A challenge of small organizations is that one person must do many different things. Due to our size, we do not have departments (i.e., development, marketing, finance). Often times the staff must do a mix of things outside their primary area of expertise. This is a wonderful opportunity and is quite invigorating.

However, with that, it’s easy for the organization and individual staff to take too much on. Therefore, my advice is define the roles within the organization as best as you can and make sure the leadership is clear.

There are many different tasks you will have to do at one time, so it’s key that you prioritize on an organizational and individual level. That way, everyone in the organization is working toward the same goal at the same time, and each person knows what they have to do. It sounds like common sense, and it is. Yet in the thick of it, staying on course takes constant attention to what you and those around you are doing.

FS: How many employees do you have?
JR: Eight full-time. We have night managers that assist with performances at Club Passim. We have sub-contractors who assist with booking and additional areas.