the how of making it work

The mission statement goes like this: to gently support the historic Lakewood Theater & its people along with local artists & the community; and to be an ongoing self-sustaining project.

So how is that done? The hope is that by giving folks the space to create, that they will give back. The goal is that there will be no rent, but through personal revenue generated by individual artists [actual art, gigs, and/or lessons] things such as electric bills, taxes, insurance, and water association fees will be paid. Through individuals donating their time and skill, gardens will be tended, buildings will be painted, grass will be mowed. [and all residences will have things like beautiful pottery, wooden tables, stunning paintings... all by local artists and a few friendly bees]

It has been put before me that I may be a little too optimistic, and I should also look into crowdfunding

more than bees

Related to the bees part of the project, there will now be a little donations jar at the Tower House. Vistors using the artists space, the kitchen, shower, or collecting from the community garden may choose to leave donations in the jar on the shelf in the kitchen. This money may be used by our bees if desired, just simply leave the store receipt in the jar so that the donations can be recorded. If there are any monies there at the end of season, they will go towards next season’s expenses! Cash is lovely, but if leaving a check, please remember to make it out to Dawnella Sutton* and I promise not to take off to the Bahamas with the money.

*The On Olive Street Project is a self-titled phrase, not a registered not-for-profit at this time.

non versus not for profit

It's been suggested that we get official, so I've been doing lots and lots of reading and research, looking at how others have accomplished similar goals without going broke when they are first getting started! Though we relate to statements in both categories, it looks like eventually if we do any paperwork, we will do the paperwork to operate as a not-for-profit. But for now, until others find their way to us and get involved, we are funding this ourselves. So please see my little "peddler links" in the righthand sidebar if you want to contribute even a tiny amount by making a related purchase. And the tea room at the Sugar Tree does accept tips!

In case you are wondering what the differences are between the two, there are four main bullet points:

• - Nonprofits are formed explicitly to benefit the public good; not-for-profits exist to fulfill an owner’s organizational objectives.
• - Nonprofits can have a separate legal entity; not-for-profits cannot have a separate legal entity.
• - Nonprofits run like a business and try to earn a profit, which does not support any single member; not-for-profits are considered “recreational organizations” that do not operate with the business goal of earning revenue.
• - Nonprofits may have employees who are paid, but their paychecks do not come through fundraising; not-for-profits are run by volunteers.