Opportunities From: HandsOn Twin Cities

Ballet Co.Laboratory’s Benefit Committee is one of the most vital, philanthropic volunteer positions at Ballet Co.Laboratory. Spearheading the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year takes a team of individuals who have a strong affinity for the mission and values of the organization, are well respected within the community, enjoy taking ownership of a project, and are comfortable being connectors.

 

BALLET CO.LABORATORY BENEFIT COMMITTEE MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide ideas and feedback on benefit theme, décor, invitations, pricing, food/drink, entertainment, night of activities, and follow-up/cultivation efforts.

Determine strategies to raise funds from event guests.

Assist in obtaining packages for the event’s silent and live auctions.

Aide in brainstorming and/or securing corporate sponsorships and/or event vendors.

Purchase at least one ticket to the event and attend on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00pm.

Participate in post-event evaluation.

  

ESTIMATED TIME COMMITMENT (June - October 2024)

One 90-minute gala committee meeting per month.

1-4 hours of individual work per month (promoting the event to personal and professional contacts, working to secure items for auction packages, corresponding with fellow committee/staff members working on the event…).

 

EVENT BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Ballet Co.Laboratory is Minnesota's largest professional ballet company and school. Our annual Benefit Performance & Celebration is the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. It is a highly anticipated event where guests are immersed in the theme and surrounded by artists and other surprises from beginning to end.

Ballet Co.Laboratory's Benefit Performance & Celebration raises more than $65,000 annually to support our various productions and programs, including the creation of new ballet works, support for professional Company dancers, need-based scholarships to The School of Ballet Co.Laboratory, and the funding of free tickets/dance workshops to ensure dance experiences for all.

 

SHOW YOUR INTEREST
If you are interested in learning more about our volunteer opportunity, please email Rachel Koep at rkoep@balletcolaboratory.org by Friday, May 17.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS' ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
The Board of Directors of Ballet Co.Laboratory (BCL) are the fiduciaries who steer the organization toward a sustainable future by working to adopt sound, ethical, legal governance and financial management policies, in addition to ensuring BCL has the adequate resources needed to advance their mission.

The members of the Board are the most vital philanthropic volunteer positions at Ballet Co.Laboratory. These ambassadors are well-respected within the community, have a strong affinity for the mission and vision of the organization, and are natural connectors who take pride in leading by example.

Members are elected to a two-year (2) term, and may serve up to two (2) consecutive terms, for a total of four (4) years. Executive officers may serve a full or partial third term (maximum 6 years) if all parties agree.

The Board of Directors meet six (6) times a year. The principal responsibilities of each Board member include the following:

PARTICIPATION & OVERSIGHT

Attend Board meetings six times a year. Members are to prepare for these meetings in advance by reviewing provided meeting materials.

    o BoardmeetingsarecurrentlyheldinAugust, October, December, February, April,and June of each year. Members are 

Provide ongoing oversight and evaluation of Ballet Co.Laboratory’s operations and performance by working alongside fellow Board and staff members. Duties include, but not limited to:

              o Assure that the affairs of Ballet Co.Laboratory are conducted in a fiscally responsible of the organization.

              o Oversee and evaluate the progress of the strategic plan, ensuring that it directly connects to the mission, vision, and
                 values of the organization.

              o NurturethefutureleadershipandgovernanceofBalletCo.Laboratorybysubmitting nominees annually for consideration to  
                 vacancies on the Board of Directors.

              o Maintain confidentiality of committee, Board, and organization work, while remaining independent of any personal
                 agenda, self-interest, or influence of external parties.

              o As appropriate, be available for questions/comments/concerns from BCLstaff and parents/students of The School of  
                Ballet Co.Laboratory and respond in a timely manner to communication.

              o Oversee the selection and performance of the Artistic and Managing Directors.

Participate in a yearly appraisal of own performance set against the expectations of the Board and its committees.

AMBASSADORSHIP & BOARD ENGAGEMENT 

Champion the mission, vision, values, and goals of the organization by serving as an ambassador of Ballet Co.Laboratory to community leaders, patrons, corporations, partner organizations, parents/students of The School of Ballet Co.Laboratory, and others within personal and professional circles.

Assist in the development/training of Company dancers’ administrative roles/responsibilities where appropriate.

Stay informed about Ballet Co.Laboratory’s performance season, The School of Ballet Co.Laboratory, Outreach programs, and other connections to our community by:

    o Observing at least (1) Ballet Co.Laboratory Outreach program and (1) School of Ballet Co.Laboratory class during
       tenure.

    o Attend the five productions in Ballet Co.Laboratory’s annual performance season.

Represent the Board, and support the cultivation of new audiences/donors, by attending (1) special event each season (excluding our fall fundraising performance/event, that is in addition). Members are asked to invite guests from their personal network who are perceived to be interested in learning more about our work. Special events include rehearsal sneak peeks, opening night receptions, meet-n-greets, and more.

FUNDRAISING

• Be an active participant in Ballet Co.Laboratory’s fundraising activities. Members are expected to:

    o Assist the organization in identifying potential donors and prospects for the organization. As part of these efforts, members
      may be asked to host a cultivation event for donors/prospects on behalf of the organization (backstage tour, opening night
      party, performance...).

    o Members are asked to help pitch sponsorship and/or grant support from their place of business if a corporate giving program
       is in place.

    o Contribute a personal gift to the annual fund each year. The Board believes that financial contribution is a core responsibility
       and that the Board must lead for others to follow. The Board has set a standard of 100% participation in the annual fund as a  
       statement of our leadership, accountability for Ballet Co.Laboratory’s financial stability, and respect for our donor base
      (granting foundations often expect 100% board participation).

While philanthropic capacity will vary on the Board, members are asked to make Ballet Co.Laboratory a top priority in their philanthropic plans. The Board’s minimum unrestricted personal gift is currently $2,500 per year, with the hopes that members will consider larger gifts when possible. Personal giving is distinct and independent from ticket purchases, silent/live auction items won, employer matching gift contributions, and monies leveraged from corporate funders.

INTERESTED IN THE BOARD NOMINATION PROCESS?
If you are interested in entering the Board nomination process, please send your resume and cover letter outlining your Board experience and interest in Ballet Co.Laboratory to Rachel Koep, Managing Director, at rkoep@balletcolaboratory.org.