Interview With Nick Gaudreau, Director of Development, Church Street School for Music and Art

FS: Any major difficulties or setbacks you’ve faced along the way? Things you would do differently with your fundraising?
NG: As any like-sized institution is aware, a small staff can only accomplish so much. Constantly self-assessing the institution and modifying staff and volunteer plans is critical. But an open and emotionally supportive environment allows for those mid-plan modifications to be met with understanding and enthusiasm.

FS: What advice would you give to organizations similar to yours, in size and annual operating budget?
NG: Persistence and constant and open communication allows for those who may be timid or distracted to feel invested and to reach their maximum impact for your institution. E-mail and phone calls are key!

FS: Would you like to share any additional thoughts?
NG: Fostering an environment of creative freedom with your staff, board and volunteers results in many new and innovative ideas that can be filtered through the lens of fundraising best practices. This environment also provides a happy and healthy office environment that is an important base for a fundraising structure.

FACT BOX

Church Street School for Music and Art
74 Warren St.
New York, NY 10007

Phone number: 212.571.7295

On the Web: www.churchstreetschool.org

Annual Operating Budget: $1 million

Mission: “Church Street School for Music and Art provides affordable music and art education for students of all ages and their families, and we serve a range of socially, culturally and economically diverse communities. We are the only community-based school for the arts in Lower Manhattan.”