For over 50 years, the Arts Center/Old Forge has enriched civic, cultural, ecological and educational life in the Central Adirondacks. It is a center for classes, exhibits, events and ideas that open up opportunities in the arts and environment for children and adults of all ages, and a vital part of local and regional economic development.
To build on the Arts Center's comprehensive approach to the visual and performing arts, classes, ecology education, and community activities, a spacious new center is being built. Innovative Resources Group was engaged in 2004 to create a capital project plan and position the project as arts and science center, rather than just an arts center as it was known.
The organization had originally retained an architectural firm that proposed a project that was not viable. Innovative Resources worked with the Center on a new plan to scale down the cost of the project and revise previous revenue projections. The firm began by developing the action plan and budget for the reformulated capital project. Innovative Resources helped to recruit and support a Leadership Team from individuals, foundations, and government sources. This outreach to leaders was critical because Old Forge is a community of 190 residents with a large seasonal population, which makes project planning and capital fundraising more difficult.
Innovative Resources created the capital campaign concept, and wrote and designed the capital project prospectus, "Come Grow With Us." The firm helped the Center to get important endorsements and support, and has been re-engaged as project counsel to continue to provide strategic direction. To date, over $6 million has been raised and the new facility construction is almost completed.
Association of Philanthropic Counsel, Inc.
The Association of Philanthropic Counsel (APC) is a national association of consulting firms specializing in governance, management, and fundraising. APC member firms from across the United States have demonstrated experience in providing value-based assistance to nonprofit organizations by providing consulting services to develop sound organizational strategy, effective communications vehicles, strong board management programs, and sustainable resource development initiatives.
The member firms of APC have established reputations of leadership in their communities as campaign directors, independent contractors, directors of development, board members, and chief executives. Each has an intimate knowledge of how nonprofits work and the special challenges they face. APC clients of every size and in every corner of the nation have been assisted in raising millions of dollars, resulting in a positive impact on the lives and well-being of countless communities, families, children, and institutions.
Beth Hershenhart, President and CEO of Innovative Resources Group, is a former Chair of APC. Innovative Resources is an active, organizational member firm. George Nehme, Senior Vice President for Client Relations, is currently serving as the Chairman of APC's Education Committee. The firm has been deeply involved in planning APC's annual Spring and Fall Forums that are held in major cities in the U.S. and attract leading experts in the field of philanthropy. Forum literature, save-the-date cards, and conference registration materials are designed by Innovative Resource Group's Director of Design, Robert Barkowski.