Announcement:
Due to financial challenges, Enchanted Circle is entering a period of organizational dormancy beginning July 1, 2024. This temporary pause in operations and programming is necessary to strategically reassess and strengthen our foundation. This period is expected to last 12 months.
About the Transition
Status During this Transition:
- 501(c)(3) Status: Maintained
- Employees: None from July 1, 2024
- Fundraising: Ongoing to support community listening sessions & needs assessment, financial planning, organizational capacity building, and the hiring of a new executive director in 2025
Goals During this Transition:
- Engage in research and community conversations with stakeholders in Holyoke, including youth, families, teachers, and artists.
- Develop improved business and financial models to sustain our work into the future.
- Prepare for the hiring of a new Executive Director, targeted for Summer 2025.
Continuing Engagement:
- We will continue to facilitate connections between our community partners and our roster of Teaching Artists, who may be available as independent contractors.
- We are committed to remaining in conversation with our partners to ensure that our thinking and actions are guided by the needs of our community.
Our Commitment:
- Our mission to bridge the arts, culturally responsive education, and social emotional wellbeing remains our core focus.
- We are dedicated to fostering equitable leadership models and promoting diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion through all aspects of our work.
Read the full Press Release here.
Looking Ahead:
We appreciate your continued support and input during this period of reflection and growth. Expect regular updates and opportunities to participate in shaping the future of Enchanted Circle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Enchanted Circle entering an organizational pause?
- Due to financial constraints, we are pausing to reassess our operational strategies and ensure our sustainability. This period will help us enhance our impact and continue our mission more effectively.
What caused the financial constraints?
- In 2020, we received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan to keep our staff employed and carry our operations through lockdown; we repaid that loan in Fall 2021.
- In 2020 and 2021, we received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding that continued to sustain our operations through the COVID-19 crisis.
- In 2022 and 2023, we received a Cultural Sector Recovery Grant and a Flexible Funding Grant from our funders to support our general operating expenses. These grants were created in response to emergent needs from organizations struggling to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
- Because these funds were tied to COVID disaster relief, many are now depleted and have not been renewed. The lack of renewal of funding for these temporary emergency relief grants created a shortfall in our budget.
Will Enchanted Circle re-open? How long will this pause last?
- The dormancy is planned to last for about a year, starting from July 1, 2024.
- We intend to re-open in 2025.
Will Enchanted Circle maintain its nonprofit status?
- Yes, we will maintain our 501(c)(3) status throughout this period.
What happens to ongoing programs and events?
- Enchanted Circle’s programming and events are paused. However, we encourage our community partners to continue promoting the arts by engaging our Teaching Artists as independent contractors.
How can I support Enchanted Circle during this period?
- Your ongoing support and feedback are invaluable. We welcome financial contributions to aid in our restructuring. All funds raised will support hiring an Executive Director for Enchanted Circle Theater, and set them up with a budget to resume hiring and programming when they start. No contribution is too small. To donate, click here.
- We encourage participation in our community engagement efforts to refine our strategic plans. We will share opportunities for participation via email, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here.
What changes are expected when operations resume?
- Upon resumption, we plan to introduce a strengthened business model and financial strategy, under the leadership of a new Executive Director, to enhance our programming and extend our reach.
- We remain committed to working in and with our community to bridge the arts, culturally responsive education, and social emotional wellbeing.
How can I receive updates from Enchanted Circle?
We will provide regular updates through email and our website. Your engagement and input will be crucial during this period. Please sign-up for our newsletter by clicking here.
I never knew I could find joy in learning! I never would have dropped out of school if Enchanted Circle had been teaching in my school.
- Young woman in residential treatment program