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'Give for Greatness' announces expanded scope, round of funding to culturals

by jmaloni

Submitted

Tue, Apr 1st 2014 12:35 pm

"G4G" to become program of Arts Services Initiative of WNY

Following a successful "Lawyers for the Arts" event that raised approximately $15,000, leaders from "Give for Greatness" and Arts Services Initiative of Western New York have announced plans to enhance "G4G's" activities and mission of raising funding and awareness for local cultural organizations. Under the plan, made possible by a grant from Fund for the Arts, "Give for Greatness" will become a program of ASI.

"I'm very excited that 'Give for Greatness' is being brought under the ASI umbrella," said Jim Lenker, "Give for Greatness" board president. "The ASI board and staff, under Tod Kniazuk's direction, are well respected and highly capable. This is very good news for the smaller arts and cultural organizations that "G4G's" fundraising mission is designed to support."

Details of the plan include:

•The hiring of a full-time development professional to head "G4G's" fundraising efforts;

•The expansion of "G4G's" service area to include Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties;

•The establishment of a development committee made up of professionals in the field to assist and augment fundraising efforts;

•The establishment of a media committee spearheaded by Artvoice that will enhance the awareness of "G4G's" efforts and the organizations to which it is providing funding;

•The management of "G4G" by ASI, including the use of ASI staff and board in the support of "G4G"; and

•An initial round of funding to organizations in 2014.

" 'Give for Greatness' was established during the Erie County funding crisis, and made an immediate positive impact by raising over $90,000 that first year," said Randall Kramer, ASI board president. "While that crisis is behind us, the need for 'G4G' remains as prevalent as ever for small and new organizations, as well as groups in Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties, where public sector for the arts is not as strong as it is in Erie."

The job description for the new development position is now posted on the Arts Services Initiative website - www.asiwny.org. Details of the application process for 2014 funding will be released by July 1; those who submitted applications in 2013 are automatically included for consideration and do not have to submit new applications.

"In our work throughout Western New York, we've seen the tremendous strength of the cultural sector, but also the need for increased funding and awareness," ASI Executive Director Tod A. Kniazuk said. " 'Give for Greatness' is a perfect way to meet those needs, and has already seen good success in its efforts. This plan will provide structure and support for 'G4G' and allow it to build on that success to help the cultural sector be great."

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