Greenwood Cultural Center Joins National Effort to Build Nonprofit Capacity

Greenwood Cultural Center is proud to be one of 78 arts and cultural organizations, chosen from across 31 states and the District of Columbia, to take part in Engage US, a national capacity building pilot program. The program is led by Mid America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) and made possible through generous funding from the Windgate Foundation.

Nonprofit organizations everywhere are navigating real pressures right now, from tightening budgets to leadership transitions to the everyday work of keeping community programs strong. Affordable, hands on support for that work is hard to come by. We understand that building a more resilient organization does not happen by accident. It takes intentional effort, and it takes time. That is the work we have signed up for, and we are taking it seriously.

Since Engage US began in March, GCC has been participating in one on one coaching, monthly group sessions, and peer learning alongside organizations from across the country. The program pairs participants with professional coaches and gives each organization room to focus on the priorities that matter most to them, rather than a one size fits all curriculum.

“It has been a rewarding experience to connect with colleagues from across the region who face many of the same challenges. We support and encourage one another, share resources, and help spark new ideas together.”

It is still early. Engage US runs through December, and the full picture of what this work means for GCC will keep coming into focus over the next several months. But the early experience has already been worth it, and we plan to keep showing up for it. We are grateful to M-AAA and the Windgate Foundation for creating a program that gives organizations like ours real support, and real company, while we do this work.

To learn more about Engage US and Mid America Arts Alliance, visit maaa.org.