Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Bemidji Community Theater
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As: BCT
Mailing Address: 316 Beltrami Ave NW
City: Bemidji
State: MN
Postal Code: 56601
Main Phone: 218-760-5457
Main Fax:
Organization Website: bemidjicommunitytheater.org
Employer ID Number: 30-0524956
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/25/2021
Requested Amount: $7,500

Project Title: Increasing Accessibility for All
Project Description:

Bemidji Community Theater emphasizes the creativity of children. As such, it:
• provides theater education for children at BCT JR., a 2-week summer camp as well as opportunities on stage for major productions.
• provides community support through its Playing It Forward giving program.
• provides paid internships to anyone aged 14 or older to work with experts in various fields.
• provides opportunities for new playwrights to showcase their work in the Studio Works program.
• provides outreach via Project Genesis which pairs young people with seniors to improve memory through music.
• provides entrepreneurial opportunities for young people through its Kid’z Clubhouse program.
• provides Puppet Ambassadors who write scripts reflective of social issues.
In 2018, BCT purchased a building which has become the headquarters for much of its programming with an economic dream of becoming independent in not having to rent additional space for activities and to develop a more diversified revenue steam. When the pandemic hit, BCT was in the middle of phase 2 of a major renovation project that included new ceiling insulation, installation of a fire suppression system, and upgrading handicapped accessibility. All live-in person productions were halted. A few online workshops and performances were held but with no revenue coming in for the last year, and with future prospects looking bleak, BCT is asking for your help.
Grants, savings, and donations have taken care of most of the costs so far, but bids for the assisted listening devices and the necessary equipment to handle them, and phone/internet service needed to monitor the new fire suppression alarm system and to equip the building with Wi-Fi and internet access to offer on line classes, You Tube workshops and a future home for a local CCTV station exceeded expectations. These services are imperative for doing business in this age. Any help with covering these costs would be greatly appreciated.

Total Project Budget: $86,089.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): $50,000 from the Engelstad Foundation for the fire suppression system, $7,000 from Region 2 Arts Council for mortgage relief, $5,000 from individuals, $10,000 from BCT itself, $30,800 potential from the Neilson Foundation

Project Duration: Whenever funds are received they will be put to use. The monitoring of the fire suppression system and internet costs are monthly expenses.
Geographical Area Served: from Bemidji, MN north to the Canadian border, west to North Dakota, south to Fargo, ND, and east to Duluth, MN.
Age Group To Be Served: All ages with an emphasis on children.

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms
Contact First Name: Mary
Contact Last Name: Knox-Johnson
Contact Title: Board Member and Grants Coordinator
Contact Phone: 218-760-5457
Contact Email: moxnk@paulbunyan.net