ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE

A strong organizational foundation is crucial for a sustainable Main Street revitalization effort. This element of the Main Street Four Points focuses on building collaboration among a broad range of public and private sector groups, organizations and constituencies.

The Organization Committee and/or its project teams play a key role in keeping the board, committees and staff functioning by attracting people and money to the Main Street Program. To succeed, this committee must take responsibility for managing these financial and logistical aspects of the non-profit organization:

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 •  Raise money - for projects and administration, from donations and sponsorships;

 •  Oversee volunteer activities- recruit and supervise people, and reward good work;

 •  Promote the program - to downtown interests and the public;

 •  Manage finances - develop good accounting procedures.

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In general, projects grouped in the basic category should be completed before the organization moves onto intermediate activities. Intermediate activities should be completed before tackling advanced projects. This progression will serve to build a strong foundation upon which the organization can build a long-term, successful program.

Basic

 •  Develop an organizational structure, Articles of Incorporation and by-laws - COMPLETED

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 •  Formulate accounting systems (It is suggested that all programs have an annual audit by a CPA.) - COMPLETED

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 •  Bookkeeping system - COMPLETED

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 •  Payroll/employee number - COMPLETED

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 •  Bank/charge accounts - COMPLETED

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 •  Hire a Program Director - COMPLETED

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 •  Set up Main Street office including:

   -  Permanent Location - COMPLETED

   -  Equipment - COMPLETED

   -  Furnishings -COMPLETED

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 •  Registrations: state, county, city - COMPLETED

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 •  Develop a clear, shared mission and write it as a mission statement - COMPLETED

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 •  Hold annual work planning sessions

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 •  Develop a written work plan

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 •  Achieve Board approval - COMPLETED

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 •  Send to VMS - COMPLETED

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 •  Form committees and hold regular meetings

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Intermediate

 •  Develop an organization logo (letterhead, etc.) - COMPLETED

 •  Develop 501(c)(3) non-profit application to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - COMPLETED

 •  Develop an annual Board approved budget

 •  Initiate an annual, signed agreement with local government

 •  Create and regularly update job descriptions for both staff and volunteers

 •  Compile and send Board of Directors list, including contact information and mini-resume for each Officer and Director

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Advanced

 •  Develop a five-year fundraising plan including:

   -  Sustainable and diverse income base

   -  List of private contributors

   -  At least one fundraising event

   -  Produce an informational brochure about the organization

   -  Develop various methods for communicating with donors throughout the year

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 •  Create email and snail mailing lists for the organization including:

   -  Downtown business owners

   -  Downtown property owners

   -  Local interest groups

   -  Officials

   -  Supporters

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 •  Develop a communications strategy

   -  Website

   -  Social media

   -  Downtown map with business and attractions directory

   -  Print and broadcast media resources

   -  Downtown brochure

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 •  Build a volunteer database

   -  Develop and maintain a method for documenting volunteer hours and skill sets

   -  Develop and maintain a Volunteer Participation waiver

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