ROGER MONTOYA
ROGER MONTOYA RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS
QUESTION 4: If a person wants to start a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, what suggestions do you have based on your experience doing this? Did you complete the paperwork yourself, or did you hire professionals? If you experienced any problems with this process, please share the problems and how they were resolved.
RESPONSE: Great question— When MAE began in 2007, we were under the umbrella of another similar organization for two years as a pilot satellite program. I would suggest this as a viable pathway when possible. This allowed for our proof of concept to be clarified and how our unique mission would be shaped. We hired professionals at a modest fee and we leaned on other orgs and on kind legal support for guidance and moral support — this saved us the mistakes that can further delay the already lengthy process. Our official 501.c3 status took 1.5 years to accomplish.
QUESTION 5: The selection of members of the Board of Directors for a new nonprofit is important. What characteristics for Board members do you believe are important? What contributions by Board members do you believe should be expected? Did your Board members receive any training? If so, please identify that training.
RESPONSE: As we began, our board was intentionally small, we developed our own bylaws and financial processes slowly and organically as needs emerged and our organization grew. This was 2008-2011. It became clear by 2012 that a broad range of skills sets were needed at the board of director level — to meet the demands as we grew to a staff of two part time and 10 teaching artists. In 2014, we leased our own facility and were on a path of measurable growth and expansion of classes and partnerships. In 2015, we earned a significant visionary award from a prominent foundation in New Mexico— this fostered a more diverse board that included: a lawyer, several educators, financial experts and fundraising media and communications skills sets for a board of seven and two advisors.
It was not until 2019 with the CNN Heroes recognition that we received formal board training from the Annenberg Foundation.
MAE did engage an in kind annual strategic facilitator who has remained with us for the last six years — this has been a significant aspect of how we have grown and stayed on track. We believe that a solid board of directors must include a working active board — where a personal alignment with the vision and mission is essential. In fact, we require members to contribute directly as officers or with some self designed work plan of service. As we approach our 15th year, we need a dedicated Capital campaign board that is separate from but linked to the regular board and the strategic goals and objectives.
QUESTION 6: Most nonprofits benefit greatly from the contributions of volunteers. Approximately how many volunteers do you have? Approximately how many paid staff do you have? Have you experienced any problems recruiting volunteers? If so, please share your experience. What suggestions do you have for recruiting volunteers?
RESPONSE: Volunteers are essential. We have varying numbers as projects arise — for example, as the Covid pandemic grew and in person classes were on hold— we ramped up an emergency food and meal distribution center so the number of volunteers grew to more than 20. Because we are a family centered youth development focused organization, we encourage parents and the youth themselves to serve as a base to draw from when a needs arise.
In order to recruit and retain volunteers, the mission has to be compelling and engaging. The construction of a space, or a set piece for the upcoming performance or an outreach or fundraising campaign that calls folks to contribute with a sense of urgency and purpose. Sometimes incentives can draw members— free or reduced class tuition or gift cards for students or letters of support for community service related actions. Now with the start of 2022, we have three FTEs and twenty part time arts instructors. Previous to the CNN award, we had barely one 3/4 time uninsured ED.