Implementation Timeline

Month 1: Formalization & Setup

  • Authorize MOU (Weeks 1-2)

    • City Council formal authorization of MOU.
    • Official signatures executed.

  • Populate Governance Structures (Weeks 1-4)

    • Identify and recruit Board of Directors candidates.
    • Open nominations for Advisory Board.

  • Ensure Alignment (Week 3)

    • Initial alignment meeting between City and Foundation leadership.
    • Set regular meeting schedules and establish communication protocols.

  • Initiate Fundraising (Weeks 3-4)

    • Form Fundraising Committee.
    • Develop and finalize initial fundraising collateral and strategies.

Month 2: Recruitment & Initial Outreach

  • Populate Governance Structures (Weeks 5-8)

    • Complete recruitment and appointments for Board of Directors.
    • Begin recruitment interviews and vetting for Advisory Board members.
    • Prepare and distribute governance documents (manuals, director agreements).

  • Initiate Fundraising (Weeks 5-8)

    • Launch fundraising outreach events.
    • Begin targeted donor and corporate sponsor meetings.
    • Start membership drive.

  • Launch Internal Application (Weeks 6-8)

    • Begin Cultural Asset Inventory.
    • Develop community engagement strategy; schedule initial forums/surveys.
    • Begin preliminary data collection on economic and demographic indicators.

Month 3: Governance Onboarding & Community Engagement

  • Populate Governance Structures (Weeks 9-12)

    • Finalize appointments for Advisory Board.
    • Host orientation sessions and governance training for Board and Advisory Board.

  • Launch Internal Application (Weeks 9-12)

    • Conduct ongoing Cultural Asset Inventory; preliminary mapping completed.
    • Host initial community engagement events (forums, surveys, focus groups).
    • Start Master Plan drafting with urban planners and arts professionals.

  • Initiate Fundraising (Weeks 9-12)

    • Secure initial private donations and first corporate sponsorship commitments.
    • Implement donor management and stewardship processes.

  • Ensure Alignment (Week 12)

    • Monthly progress review meeting with City.

Months 4–6: Master Planning & Fundraising Advancement

  • Launch Internal Application (Months 4-6)

    • Complete Cultural Asset Inventory.
    • Intensive community engagement activities continue; synthesize feedback.
    • Continue development of Cultural District Master Plan (draft completion by Month 6).
    • Begin detailed economic and demographic data analysis.

  • Populate Governance Structures (Month 4)

    • Complete Advisory Board appointments.
    • Host orientation and onboarding for all Board of Directors and Advisory Board members.

  • Initiate Fundraising (Months 4-6)

    • Expand fundraising outreach and memberships.
    • Host first major fundraising event or gala.
    • Provide quarterly progress reports to stakeholders.

  • Ensure City-Foundation Alignment (Month 6)

    • Quarterly alignment review meeting.

Months 7-9: Strategic Development & Finalization

  • Launch Internal Application (Months 7-8)

    • Finalize Cultural District Master Plan (Month 8).
    • Complete initial data analysis; prepare findings for application narrative.

  • Initiate Fundraising (Months 7-9)

    • Ongoing cultivation of private donations, sponsorships, and program revenue.
    • Second fundraising event or public-facing activity to maintain momentum.

  • Ensure City-Foundation Alignment (Month 9)

    • Quarterly alignment review; confirm strategic goals, adjust as necessary.

Months 10-12: Application Readiness & Submission

  • Launch Internal Application (Months 10-11)

    • Final internal review of asset inventory, master plan, and community feedback.
    • Begin drafting formal Cultural District application narrative.

  • Initiate Fundraising (Month 10-12)

    • Evaluate initial fundraising outcomes; adjust strategy for Year 2.
    • Continue to secure ongoing donations and sponsorship commitments.

  • Populate Governance Structures (Month 11-12)

    • Conduct annual review and planning meeting for Board of Directors and Advisory Board.

  • Ensure City-Foundation Alignment (Month 12)

    • Comprehensive annual review meeting to evaluate alignment, communication effectiveness, and strategic success.

Ongoing (Annually and Quarterly):

  • Regular Alignment Meetings

    • Monthly leadership check-ins between Foundation and City representatives.
    • Quarterly progress reporting and updates to City and community stakeholders.

  • Annual Governance Reviews

    • Re-evaluate Board and Advisory Board effectiveness, roles, and composition annually.

  • Continuous Fundraising

    • Implement ongoing fundraising and donor engagement strategies, including annual events and reporting.