The Think-ubator of the Provincetown Community Compact: The Compact

Provincetown Community Compact, Inc.

Jay Critchley

Provincetown, MA

Project Dates:

1993 - Present

Tags

2011 CCX presenter, Leadership, Workforce

Posted Date:

Oct 21, 2012

The organization was founded in 1993 as a non-profit entity to encourage and support artists' and community projects. It allows people to focus on the energy of a new project without being distracted by legal, financial and time-consuming activities such as filing for tax-exempt status and board development.

Project Goals

What were the project goals?

The goals have been consistent: to respond to individuals and ad hoc community groups with an idea that needs support and a structure to move forward, not just for tax-deductible donations, but to go out into the community and make it happen.

Have they changed over time?

The goals have remained operable over time.

Who are the project partners and stakeholders?

The stakeholders are the community, which continues to send projects to us to be incubated.

Project Specifics

How was the project implemented? What were the steps taken?

Prospective projects sign a contract with The Compact which states that The Compact will take 5% of funds raised for administrative purposes (well below the standard). Projects agree to credit The Compact in any promotional materials.

Have they been refined over time?

The project has become more official over time.

Obstacles

What were your major obstacles?

All the non-profits in the area refused to act as fiscal sponsor for an artist grant back in 1993, necessitating The Compact's formation. This was one of the reasons for forming The Compact. The think-ubator was the founding concept.

Who or what was instrumental in overcoming these obstacles?

Forming the Compact

What top three suggestions would you give to others attempting a similar project?

To those who might attempt to implement this concept I would suggest: - Make it available to people and grass roots projects that fit within your mission - Think of it as community outreach, capacity building - It's an opportunity to attract individuals who have similar goals and objectives - It may bring additional revenue, not only with administrative support, but grants administration, promotion, data support and event planning

Project Impact

How has this project contributed to creative community building?

The project has been immensely successful. Five projects have become important cultural, non-profit organizations in the community.

How did it achieve your original goals?

Many other projects provided artists with a vehicle to fund movies, books, art installations and writing projects.

Were there unexpected impacts?

None

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