Healing Music Seeds

Strategic Plan- 2023 “CAUTION: Exposure to music may cause sudden outbursts of joy, happiness, energy, creativity, awareness, and spontaneous healing.”

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Table of Contents 1

2

Organization Description ......................................................................................................... 3 1.1

Mission ............................................................................................................................. 5

1.2

Vision ............................................................................................................................... 5

1.3

Values ............................................................................................................................... 5

Market Research ...................................................................................................................... 6 2.1

Performing Arts Crucial For Educational Development .................................................. 6

2.1.1 2.2 3

The Arts Advantage .................................................................................................. 7

Performers And Creative Artists ...................................................................................... 8

Project Detail ......................................................................................................................... 13 3.1

Program Description ...................................................................................................... 13

3.2

Goals And Objectives..................................................................................................... 14

3.3

Funding Needs................................................................................................................ 15

4

Three-Year Budget ................................................................................................................ 16

5

Evaluation Plan ...................................................................................................................... 18

6

Milestones - Timeline (One-Year) ........................................................................................ 19

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1 ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” – Albert Einstein The performing arts range from vocal and instrumental music, dance, and theatre to drama, song, and beyond. They include numerous cultural expressions that reflect human creativity, authentic expression, and cultural interests. However, many youth and young adults lack access to opportunities to pursue performing arts fields. Dance, music, and theater, like all forms of cultural expression, reflect the society in which it exists. The arts provide a form of social affirmation and a means of expressing and evoking emotions and power. Movements through dance, feelings evoked through music, and confidence bred by putting on theatrical performances can be achieved through organizational programming such as live performance series, choreography, and production. The arts link creative expression into a cohesive system. Thus, preparing youth and young adults to become professionals who can transform society with provoking encounters and storytelling. Over the next five years, higher levels of disposable income and increased corporate profit are expected to drive the fine arts industry growth despite declining levels of government funding for creative arts. Overall, industry revenue is projected to increase at an annualized rate of 2.7% to $6.3 billion by 2026. The arc of performing arts must extend beyond the present to reach all talented and interested parties. This can be achieved through organizational programming such as mentoring, after-school programs, and clubs. In 2007, nearly 40 percent of children in the United States lived in low-income families; families with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level1. When not exposed to performing arts engagement and opportunities for 1

https://www.americanprogress.org/article/basic-facts-children-poverty/

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development, youth from low-income families are vulnerable to poor outcomes as adults. Youth require ongoing development beyond the classroom for empowerment, esteem, and the opportunity to compete in today's technologically advanced and creative world. Healing Music Seeds is a California-based nonprofit corporation that aims to establish a creative learning environment through music, where underserved youth are encouraged to express themselves and connect with others. Healing Music Seeds was created to be a source for underserved youth to gain a passion for music, live every day with passion, laugh, enjoy life, and obtain optimal wellness. Despite the clear benefits of music programs for underserved youth, these programs are often one of the first things to be cut when budgets are tight. In California, only 1 in 5 public schools have music programs2. Still, ninety percent of those public schools in black and brown communities DO NOT have music programs. Healing Music Seeds provides underserved youth – preschool through high school – with music instruction aimed to develop discipline and perseverance as they work to learn how to build instruments, play an instrument, and/or m aster a new song. Healing Music Seeds will partner with Natomas Music Square and other arts programs, student organizations, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to provide services and facilitate musical exposure, education, and resources to youth. Healing Music Seeds believes that, as an organization, it can increase positive outcomes and empower youth, one note at a time. Healing Music Seeds is quite optimistic that its values will help drive the organization to accomplish its mission. Without a shadow of a doubt, there are many alternatives. Still, Healing Music Seeds will map out a unique model that will help it gain quick and sustainable acceptance and work its way to achieving its vision. Healing Music Seeds will champion an organization-toorganization partnership strategy to reach potential sponsors and affiliates. By utilizing this multichannel approach, Healing Music Seeds will be able to carry out its mission and efficiently make strides toward its vision.

https://www.dailybreeze.com/2022/10/13/yes-on-prop-28-for-arts-education-for-all-californiayouth/#:~:text=But%20in%20California%2C%20only%201,states%20with%20more%20education%20funding. 2

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1.1 MISSION Music can transform lives, especially for kids growing up in difficult circumstances. Healing Music Seeds' mission is to give the gift of music to all children and families, providing the healing power and joy of music through tailored music lessons and instrument donations.

1.2 VISION Healing Music Seeds envisions a world in which all children have access to music and can fully benefit from the developmental skills associated with the study of a musical instrument. Healing Music Seeds’ goal is to provide access to music instruction and instruments to all children and families regardless of income limitations.

1.3 VALUES •

Balance: Healing Music Seeds works to consciously create programs that are accessible and effective so that underserved youth have equitable access to support and resources to develop their overall skillset.

•

Empowerment: Healing Music Seeds believes empowered youth and young adults become dreamers and doers. Healing Music Seeds strives to promote a culture of empowerment through its creative curriculum and exposure opportunities.

•

Connection: Healing Music Seeds believes that everyone needs a mentor—someone to trust, to share honestly with, and to enable us to be accountable to ourselves. We need spaces where we can be ourselves to have our ideas and vision.

•

Voice: The diverse voices of young people drive the direction of Healing Music Seeds’ programs and organization.

•

Inclusion: Healing Music Seeds believes everyone is ready to inspire or be inspired; that everyone has something to teach and learn.

•

Leadership: Healing Music Seeds believes everyone can become a leader when allowed to lead with direction and support.

•

Perception: Healing Music Seeds values the power of self-esteem and the undeniable effect it has on propelling people forward in life.

•

Innovation: Healing Music Seeds believes in fostering new ideas, creative thinking, and change through innovative programs.

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2 MARKET RESEARCH 2.1 PERFORMING ARTS CRUCIAL FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Educational Development is the self-knowledge, exploration, and decision-making process that shapes one's abilities. It requires successfully navigating options to choose and train for skills that suit one’s personality and interests. It also involves learning about different industries to find an optimal match if no specific area is recognized. One area that demands exposure is performing arts, but all too often, youth and disadvantaged adults are missing the mark in these vital fields that lead to gains in the career sector3. The arc of educational development must extend beyond the core classroom teachings and standards to reach all youth. This can be achieved through organizational programming such as mentoring, after-school programs, inschool programming, and various clubs. When not exposed to diverse resources and opportunities for development, youth from all walks of life are vulnerable to poor outcomes as adults. Youth require an ongoing degree of development beyond the classroom for empowerment, esteem, and the opportunity to compete in today’s advanced world. Not only is exposure to performing arts imperative for development and connection, but it is also crucial to provide equitable opportunities to underserved youth and secure the future economy of California. For example, one in 6 jobs in Los Angeles are creative industry jobs4 and it is even more urgent and critical that low-income youth are provided this legally required education that has a high probability of becoming their economic livelihood in Los Angeles and throughout the state.

https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/benefits-of-teaching-steam/ https://www.dailybreeze.com/2022/10/13/yes-on-prop-28-for-arts-education-for-all-californiayouth/#:~:text=But%20in%20California%2C%20only%201,states%20with%20more%20education%20funding. 3 4

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2.1.1 The Arts Advantage The arts educational approach favors learning and problem-solving, encouraging youth to take risks, think critically, and find creative solutions to problems. Science and technology can be interpreted through the arts and engineering and include mathematical components. Numerous studies have shown that youth involved in the arts score higher on math and reading tests than youth without exposure to the arts. In 1997 the United States Department of Education released the results of a multi-year survey of more than 25,000 youth: Those youth with high arts exposure were 72.5% likely to score in the top two quartiles of 10th-grade standardized tests, whereas those with low exposure to arts in school were only 45% likely to score in the top 2 quartiles5. The arts are the first resource cut from the curriculum when budgets need to be lowered; however, this is a significant fallacy for our youth. Arts inequality is evident between communities living in urban and suburban areas, socioeconomic groups, and less economically developed countries and more economically developed countries. Those who find themselves on the wrong side of the curriculum experience more negative outcomes. These adverse outcomes include further gaps in economic wealth and even health. So, who is on the other side of the divide? All too often, it is low-income people, those with less formal education, inner-city populations, and minorities.

5

https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/what-is-the-digital-divide/

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2.2 PERFORMERS AND CREATIVE ARTISTS The highly diverse Performers and Creative Artists industry comprise independent artists and performers, including freelance and bestselling writers, stage and A-list actors, painters, and a dozen other artistic professions. Over 90.0% of industry operators are non-employers (businesses with no paid employees) that make little money in return. However, top artists, such as famous authors and actors, can earn millions annually. They typically employ teams to maintain their image but account for a slim portion of industry operators. Although favorable economic conditions persisted over the last five years, bolstering industry revenue, the COVID19 (coronavirus) pandemic is expected to significantly stifle industry activity in 2020. Overall, industry revenue is projected to rise an annualized 2.3% to $45.0 billion over the next five years. Typical of the entertainment sector, industry performance is dependent on consumer sentiment. Strong per capita disposable income growth enabled consumers to make more nonessential purchases. Moreover, the number of affluent households, which are more likely to spend on and contribute to artists' pursuits, also increased during the period. Industry performance is also influenced by grant-making institutions, such as nonprofit foundations and public arts agencies, which fund many of the industry's small-scale operators. Federal funding for creative arts is expected to increase by 0.4% over the next five years, supporting operators' endeavors. IBISWorld projects the industry to grow considerably over the next five years as per capita disposable income and consumer spending are expected to rebound strongly and lead to greater purchases of industry-relevant goods and services. However, limited federal funding for creative arts is expected to constrain demand for industry services. Furthermore, external competition from other forms of entertainment and falling support for public arts departments and commissions at the state and federal levels are projected to hinder revenue growth. Overall, industry revenue is forecast to rise an annualized 4.4% to $55.8 billion over the next five years.

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Key Drivers

Federal funding for creative arts Federal programs such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) offer competitive grants to artists across a broad spectrum of media and genres. While NEA funding increased during the mid-2000s, concerns regarding the federal budget and deficit led to substantial cuts in 2013. Federal funding for the creative arts is expected to decrease in 2023, posing a potential threat to the industry. Per capita disposable income Fluctuations in household disposable income affect customer demand for entertainment. When household disposable income increases, consumers are more likely to purchase performance tickets and associated goods. Per capita disposable income is expected to increase in 2023, representing a potential opportunity for the industry. Households earning more than $100,000 According to the NEA, charitable contributions to arts and cultural organizations grow with household income, with households earning $200,000 annually or more donating the most. Nonprofit and arts foundations rely heavily on private donations to offer grants and support to individual artists; therefore, when the number of households earning more than $100,000 rises annually, foundations typically receive more donations and are better able

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to fund artists. In 2023, the number of households earning more than $100,000 is expected to increase. Local and state government investment While the federal government funds art projects through the NEA, the collective funds offered by state-level arts commissions and departments is larger than the NEA budget. Local and state government investment is a proxy for the overall budgetary strength of states; an increase here indicates that states can better fund programs they deem less necessary, such as arts programs. Local and state government investment is expected to decrease in 2023. Time spent on leisure and sports The more leisure time people have available, the more likely they will attend shows, read books, and demand other products from the Performers and Creative Artists industry. Time spent on leisure and sports is expected to decrease in 2023.

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Key Statistics

Key External Drivers

% = 2016–21 Annual Growth

$45.0bn 3.0%

0.2%

Annual Growth

Per capita disposable income

Local and state government investment

2016–2026

0.7%

2.7%

Federal funding for creative arts

Households earning more than $100,000

Revenue

Annual

Annual

Growth

Growth

2016–

2022–

2022

2026

2.3%

4.4%

0.6% Time spent on leisure and sports

$4.2bn Profit

Industry Structure Annual

Annual Growth

Growth 2016–2022 2016– 2022

6.3%

9.3%

POSITIVE IMPACT Capital Intensity

Concentration

Low

Low

Regulation & Policy

Technology Change

Light / Steady

Low

Industry Globalization

Profit Margin

Low / Steady Annual

Annual Growth

Growth 2016–2022

MIXED IMPACT

2016– 2022

Life Cycle

1.6pp

Mature

1m

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NEGATIVE IMPACT

Businesses

Annual

Annual

Growth

Growth

Annual Growth

Revenue Volatility

Industry Assistance

High

Low / Steady

Barriers to Entry

Competition

Low / Steady

High / Steady

2016–2026 2016–

2022–

2022

2026

3.1%

4.0%

Key Trends

1m Employment

Annual

Annual

Growth

Growth 2022–

2022

2026

2.3%

4.2%

Since the industry is primarily composed of individual artists, the vast majority of enterprises are sole proprietors or non-employers that operate without a staff

•

The industry has extremely low barriers to entry, with the greatest challenges limited to acquiring training and skills

•

The rising popularity of e-readers and digital books has significantly transformed the independent writing profession

•

Digital media will make it easier for artists to market and disseminate their experiences and products to a wider audience

•

IBISWorld anticipates federal funding for creative arts to decline over the next five years

•

Total wage growth is expected to rise at a moderate rate, pressuring industry profit

•

Federal funding for creative arts is expected to increase, supporting operators' endeavors

Annual Growth 2016–2026

2016–

•

$19.5bn Wages

Annual

Annual

Growth

Growth

Annual Growth 2016–2026

2016–

2022–

2022

2026

2.8%

4.2%

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3 PROJECT DETAIL 3.1 PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Healing Music Seeds’ primary service provides educational programming and enrichment activities that will positively impact underserved youth, including youth who do not pursue a career in music. Healing Music Seeds benefits not just youth who are interested in music, but all youth. Participation in Healing Music Seeds’ music programs will foster teamwork, responsibility, self-confidence, and pride. Music instruction also gives young people a chance to develop discipline and perseverance as they work to learn how to build instruments, play an instrument and/or master a new song. Youth learn the importance of getting involved in their community and making a difference in the lives of others. Healing Music Seeds allows youth to develop skills they can use in other areas of their lives. For example, youth who study music and learn to play instruments have been shown to develop better teamwork skills and problem-solving abilities. In addition, music education teaches youth to set goals, make responsible decisions, build quality relationships, manage their emotions, and empathize with others. These skills are valuable not only in school and life but also in the workplace. The program will consist of the following components: •

• •

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Scholarships for youth to take: o Piano lessons o Drum lessons o Guitar lessons o Voice lessons o Violin lessons o Woodwind lessons Musical instrument donations Music and Performing Arts Summer Camps and Classes

3.2 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES There is one primary goal for the Healing Music Seeds project and specific objectives within the goal.

Goal #1 - To build a comprehensive music program that enables underserved youth to develop social skills and teamwork and build confidence to carry them into other areas of their lives. Objective #1.1 - To integrate curriculum standards, technology, and the arts as an engaging, interactive resource for each participant. Objective #1.2 - To create meaningful change that provides all participants the opportunity for success, self-discovery, and awareness of the world around them through music education. Objective #1.3 – To provide each participant with the skills and knowledge necessary to be career ready for the music industry. Objective #1.4 – To partner with schools, educational agencies, local businesses, and families to further support underserved youth's music development and interest. Objective #1.4 – To donate musical instruments to youth and organizations in need.

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3.3 FUNDING NEEDS The primary methods for achieving the goals and objectives of the Project will be: •

Funding for supplies, facility rent, and educational enrichment program materials,

•

Funding for program facilitation,

•

Funding for scholarships and instrument donations,

•

Funding for intense marketing and advertising, and

•

Funding for human resources/contract labor.

Any funding awarded to Healing Music Seeds will be used for the above implementation methods. In addition, a Documentation/Dissemination Plan will be developed by staff to guarantee the systematic collection of information about the operation of the Project and provide the basis for sharing information with other similar projects.

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4 THREE-YEAR BUDGET Projected Expenses (2023) Projected Expenses (2024) Projected Expense (2025)

$192,500.00 $207,740.00 $239,937.00

Fundraising Expenses Item

2023

2024

2025

Media Marketing Fundraising/Awareness Events Donor Recognition

$2,500.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00

$2,575.00 $1,545.00 $7,500.00 $1,030.00

$2,703.75 $1,622.25 $7,875.00 $1,081.50

Total

$7,500.00

$12,650.00

$13,282.50

Administrative Costs Item Business Insurance Professional Services (legal, consulting, and accounting) Website Hosting and Updates Software (Quickbooks, CRM, Canva, Editing, etc) Phone/Internet/Streaming Professional Memberships

Total

2023

2024

2025

$1,700.00 $5,000.00 $500.00 $4,500.00 $4,800.00 $1,000.00

$1,751.00 $5,150.00 $515.00 $4,635.00 $4,944.00 $1,030.00

$1,838.55 $5,407.50 $540.75 $4,866.75 $5,191.20 $1,081.50

$17,500.00

$18,025.00

$18,926.25

Occupancy Item

2023

2024

2025

Facility Rent Facility Utilities Facility Maintenance and Upkeep Total

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

$25,000.00 $4,500.00 $1,500.00 $31,000.00

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Human Resources Item

2023

2024

2025

$25,000.00 $25,000.00 $13,000.00 $2,500.00

$25,750.00 $25,750.00 $13,390.00 $2,575.00

$27,037.50 $27,037.50 $14,059.50 $2,703.75

$65,500.00

$67,465.00

$70,838.25

2023 $4,000.00

2024 $4,120.00

Materials (flip chart paper,dry erase markers, etc) Musical Education Software Music Eductation Scholarships Technology - Computer Music Instruments for Donation or Rental Music Instruments for Instruction Program Participant Recital/Performance Expenses Ongoing Program Supply Needs

$500.00 $2,500.00 $50,000.00 $1,000.00 $6,000.00 $15,000.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00

$515.00 $2,575.00 $51,500.00

2025 $4,326.00 $540.75 $2,703.75 $54,075.00

$7,500.00 $15,000.00 $10,300.00 $15,000.00

$10,000.00 $15,000.00 $1,000.00 $15,000.00

Total

$99,000.00

$106,510.00

$102,645.50

Instructor Instructor Office Coordinator Social Media Manager

Total

Program Expenses and Supplies Item General Office Supplies

Miscellaneous Expenses Item Travel Volunteer Appreciation

2023 $2,500.00 $500.00

2024 $2,575.00 $515.00

2025 $2,703.75 $540.75

Total

$3,000.00

$3,090.00

$3,244.50

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5 EVALUATION PLAN Project evaluation will be the board of directors’ responsibility and will consist of a formal evaluative strategy. Formative Evaluation - Primarily qualitative in nature, the formative evaluation will be conducted through interviews and open-ended questionnaires. Program participants and the community will be asked about the day-to-day operation of Healing Music Seeds, the enrichment opportunities, the impact and reach of its programming, the attractiveness of the facility, and other questions to provide feedback for the ongoing improvement of the operation of the Project. The board of directors will meet regularly with project staff to share findings from the formative evaluation effort. Periodic reports will be prepared that identify the significant findings of the formative evaluation and how they have been used to improve Project operation. Summative Evaluation - Primarily quantitative in nature, the summative evaluation will begin with establishing baseline data at the beginning of the Project and then be conducted at 6-month intervals. Data for the summative evaluation will focus on the primary goal of the project and the objectives within. There will be two important measures for the program: •

Number of underserved youth served each year,

•

Amount of scholarships awarded,

•

Number of musical instruments donated, and

•

Number of community partners/volunteers acquired each year.

The program will also collect pre-program data, including: •

Participant demographics (age, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.) and

•

Participation in previous music education programs.

•

Program satisfaction via a comparative analysis of pre-and post-assessment data.

A yearly report will be issued that presents the formative and summative findings. 18 | P a g e

6 MILESTONES - TIMELINE (ONE-YEAR) Month One o o o o o o o o o

Advertising of Project staff positions and ensuring positions are advertised in underserved communities Interviewing candidates for open staff and volunteer positions Meeting with local community centers, youth organizations, schools, government, businesses, and other potential partners Establish and maintain collaborative and trusting relationships with community partners Finalize/expand program offerings Update policy and procedure manual Obtain Insurance Seek funding (grants, donations, fundraisers) Meeting with the board of directors

Month Two o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Meeting with the board of directors Meetings with community leaders Meetings with partners to re-establish activities and responsibilities, etc. Recruitment/selection/training of staff members Recruitment/selection/training of volunteers Prepare Press release, news, and media meeting Revamp Website and Social Media Presence Complete Marketing Plan to promote the program Create Flyers for Marketing Campaign Finalize marketing items, signage, etc. Finalizing expanded program logistics/dates/partners Set up a communication board of Program Team Members Collection of baseline data on the community

Month Three o o o o

Face to Face Community Outreach Prepare Press release, news, and media Host community outreach event to spread awareness of the organization Implement monitoring and evaluation methodology, surveys, monthly reports, and social media analytics

Months Four - Seven o

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Face to Face Community Outreach

o

`

Implement monitoring and evaluation methodology, surveys, monthly reports, and social media analytics

Months Eight - Nine o o o o o o o

Face to Face Community Outreach Re-evaluate program offerings Expansion of program offerings Follow-up meetings with community partners Prepare for the annual fundraising event Board meeting Showcase student work/talent online (social media, press release, website)

Month Ten o o

Host annual fundraising event Implement monitoring and evaluation methodology, surveys, monthly reports, and social media analytics

Month Eleven o o o

Start Preparing the final summative evaluation for the end of the twelfth month Start Preparing close-out reports for all grants awarded Implement monitoring and evaluation methodology, surveys, monthly reports, and social media analytics

Month Twelve o o o

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Implement monitoring and evaluation methodology, surveys, monthly reports, and social media analytics Complete the final summative evaluation for the end of the twelfth month Evaluation