Beech Grove United Methodist Church955 Alton Street – Beech Grove, IN 46107-1880 - (317) 784-7612

WORSHIP at 9:30 am Every Sunday followed by Fellowship Time at 10:30 and Sunday School at 10:45

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CONTACTFOUNDATIONADDRESSCITY, STATE ZIP

Dear SALUTATION,

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce the FOUNDATION to the Beech Grove United Methodist Church, Inc. and to request your support for our efforts to transform an old church building into a community center and theater/performing arts center. The renovated building will provide space for local theater performances, recitals, concerts, youth programming, a computer lab, community meals, weddings and other gatherings, shared space for small congregations and non-profits in Beech Grove, and more.

About Our OrganizationThe Beech Grove United Methodist Church was established in 1908. Serving others is our calling. The Beech Grove United Methodist Church believes in spreading Christian love by supporting the people in Beech Grove through community initiatives and partnerships. For us, it is in the giving of time and lifting people up that we make a difference and do God’s will. In addition to our church services and weddings/funerals, the Beech Grove United Methodist Church provides a meal program to the community, works with Servant’s Heart food pantry and Fletcher Place Community Center, supports missionaries in Tanzania and Sierra Leone, and provides space for several other groups serving the community, such as service clubs like the Lions Club, Alcoholics Anonymous, Scouts, our local Farmers Market, and more.

The congregation met in a small, wooden structure until 1927 when a church was built. In 1957, a 4,000 square foot Education Building was built. It served as a kindergarten and daycare, as well as housing Sunday School classes and serving other community organizations. Due to the lack of handicap access in the old church building, the Beech Grove United Methodist Church decommissioned our 1927 church building in August 2011 and moved into our Education Building. Our agency has decided to repurpose the old church building as a community center and theater/performing arts center that will provide space for non-profit organizations and small congregations serving Beech Grove.

The NeedBeech Grove is a small city located in Marion County, Indiana. Beech Grove is surrounded by Indianapolis, but is independent from Indianapolis, with its own government, police, library,

school system, court, city hall, etc. According to the most recent census data, Beech Grove has a population of 14,192 people; 19.5% of the population lives below the federal poverty line.1

Beech Grove currently lacks facilities and physical space for arts and cultural activities, such as a space for performances by a local theater group and a space that can be utilized for recitals, talent shows, art shows, concerts, and more. Research indicates that arts and cultural activities have a range of positive impacts in the community. They provide economic, social, and health benefits to both individuals and the community. Arts and cultural activities benefit individuals by increasing opportunities for self-expression, building interpersonal ties and improving one’s sense of belonging or attachment to the community,2 promoting volunteering and community involvement,3 and relieving stress.4 Arts and cultural activities benefit the community by building community identity and pride,5 promoting cultural diversity,6 reducing crime and delinquency,7 and promoting the economic health of the community by increasing the attractiveness of the area to tourists, businesses, people (particularly high-skill workers), and investments.8 Since the roof of the community theater in Beech Grove collapsed over a year ago, there has been no venue in our town for arts and cultural activities and performances. The local theater group used to perform four to six plays per year; due to the lack of a performance space, they have not been able to offer any plays for over a year.

In addition, there is no place in Beech Grove for youth to participate in constructive activities after school. The unsupervised hours after school and during the summer are some of the most pivotal hours for youth. On school days, the hours between 3 pm and 6 pm are the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and sex.9 Youth are also at the highest risk of being victims of violence between 2 pm and 6 pm.10 Because there is no place for Beech Grove youth to go after school, they typically spend their afternoons roaming neighborhoods or in parks, often getting into trouble.

1 U.S. Census Bureau. “Quickfacts: Beech Grove, Indiana.” <http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045214/1804204,00>.2 Bruno Wollheim. “Culture Makes Communities.” Joseph Rowntree Foundation. 2000. 3 Mark Stern and Susan Seifert. “Cultural Participation and Communities: The Role of Individual and Neighborhood Effects.” University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work. 2000. 4 Christine Matzke. “Healthy Community Arts, Healthy Communities.” Research in Drama Education. Volume 5. 2000. 5 Robert Ogilvie. Community Building: Increasing Participation and Taking Action. Prepared for the 7th Street/McClymonds Neighborhood Initiative. University of California Berkeley Institute of Urban and Regional Development. 2000. 6 Mark Stern. “Is All the World Philadelphia? A Multi-City Study of Arts and Cultural Organizations, Diversity, and Urban Revitalization.” University of Pennsylvania School of Social Work. 1999. 7 Judith Weitz. Coming Up Taller: Arts and Humanities Programs for Children and Youth At Risk. President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. 1996. Paula Randall, Dian Magie, and Christine Miller. Art Works! Prevention Programs for Youth and Communities. National Endowment for the Arts and the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. 1997. 8 Donal Joseph Costello. “The Economic and Social Impact of the Arts on Urban and Community Development.” Dissertation Abstracts International: The Humanities and Social Sciences. University of Pittsburgh. 1998. 9 The Afterschool Alliance. “Lend a Hand: Learn the Facts.” <www.afterschoolalliance.org/lendAHandFacts.cfm>.10 National Criminal Justice Reference Service. “Violence After School: Juveniles are at the highest risk of being victims of violence at the end of the school day.” National Report Series: Juvenile Justice Bulletin. <www.ncjrs.gov/html/ojjdp/9911_1/vio2.html>.

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The old church building that will become the Beech Grove United Missions for Christ

Community Center and Performing Arts Center.

Furthermore, Beech Grove lacks space for other community activities, such as community meals and computer access for homeless and low-income individuals due to recent reductions in local library hours. Due to the lack of facilities, there is no opportunity for our community to address the need for any of these types of services.

Our Solution: The Beech Grove United Missions for Christ Community Center and Performing Arts CenterIn order to meet the need for facilities for these types of activities in our community, the Beech Grove United Methodist Church has decided to transform our old church building into a community center and theater/performing arts center that will provide shared space for many local non-profit agencies, congregations, and community groups. The space will not only provide a venue for several activities needed in our community, it will also help decrease overhead costs and improve efficiency for the non-profits and churches who will utilize our center. In a recent study of non-profits sharing space, 45% saw an improvement in their revenue and 55% reported their co-location resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of their services.11 Although the Beech Grove United Methodist Church is a Methodist organization, the renovated building will be non-denominational and open to all.

The 10,000 square foot renovated building will be used for several purposes, including: Performing Arts ~ Our facility will not only provide a performance home for a local

theater group, it will also provide a venue for recitals, talent shows, art shows, concerts, and more. Several music teachers have already expressed interest in using the renovated facility for their recitals.

Youth Development ~ The facility will provide a space for constructive after-school and summer youth activities. Both the Scouts and a group interested in forming a youth/teen program have expressed interest in using our building.

Computer Lab ~ The renovated building will include a computer lab for homeless and low-income individuals and families to use to locate services, search for employment, etc.

Community Meals and Rental Kitchen ~ Local non-profits and congregations will be able to offer community meals. In addition, the building is located near the Beech Grove farmer’s market, and farmer’s market vendors will be able to rent space in the kitchen of our facility to prepare their goods. We will also be able to offer an indoor Farmers Market during the winter.

11 The Nonprofit Centers Networks. “Measuring Collaboration: The Benefits and Impacts of Nonprofit Centers.” http://www.thenonprofittimes.com/news-articles/co-habitation-leads-to-savings-collaboration/

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Thrift Store ~ Part of the basement of the building will be used as a Rummage Sale and Thrift Store, allowing low-income people to purchase clothing and household goods at below commercial thrift shop prices.

Weddings and Other Gatherings ~ This facility will be the only wedding venue in Beech Grove that is not under the direction of a specific church denomination and therefore not subject to their rules. The space will also be used for family reunions, birthday parties, non-denominational funerals, meetings of civic groups, etc.

Small Movie Theater ~ Many local organizations have expressed interest in having a place to host movie nights and similar activities.

Shared Space for Local, Independent Congregations and Small Community-Based Non-Profits ~ There are many local, independent congregations that pay rent for store front spaces that they only use for a few hours a week. Sharing the space will reduce each group’s expenses (for some, by as much as 50%) and allow more funds to go to their outreach and community service ministries. Five small local congregations have already expressed interest in utilizing our facility, and one congregation has committed to using our space. In addition, several small community-based non-profit agencies have expressed interest in sharing space at this facility as well.

We believe that all Christians are called to different missions based on their individual gifts and desires. Small, focused groups are more effective in

accomplishing mission objectives. Sharing facility expenses frees funds to support more ministries and serve more people. United, we become more

responsible stewards of resources entrusted to our care.

In order to repurpose the building, the following work needs to be completed: Exterior Renovations ~ In order to make the facility handicap accessible, a street-level

door needs to be added to the building. Main Level Renovations ~ Renovations to the main level include adding an elevator and

a chair lift, removing the pulpit and lectern, removing pews and installing theater-type seating, replacing the floor coverings, installing stage curtains and appropriate lighting, upgrading the sound system, etc. The renovations to the main level will primarily be focused on ensuring the building is handicap accessible and creating a performance area with an appropriate stage and seating.

Basement Level Renovations ~ The floors need to be refinished, tables and seating need to be added, and add a TV or a monitor.

Kitchen Renovations ~ The kitchen needs to be renovated to create a commercial-style kitchen, including replacing the current residential-grade appliances with commercial-grade appliances and adding a commercial ventilation and fire suppression system.

Create Computer Lab ~ A small computer lab with internet access will be added for use by homeless and low-income individuals and families and other community members, as needed.

Create Game Room ~ A game room will be created for youth activities.

Several renovations have already been completed, including plumbing repairs and making all restrooms handicap accessible, upgrading electrical panels, and installing new smoke alarms, fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and lighted Exit signs with emergency lights on all levels.

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Our RequestThe Beech Grove United Methodist Church respectfully requests a $X,000 contribution from the FOUNDATION to support the transformation of our old church building into a community center and theater/performing arts center. We hope the FOUNDATION will partner with us to create the Beech Grove United Missions for Christ Community Center and Performing Arts Center and provide our community with a multi-purpose building that will meet several needs in the Beech Grove community. The Mayor of Beech Grove and other community leaders have expressed their support and approval of this project, but we need the support of the FOUNDATION to make the Beech Grove United Missions for Christ Community Center and Performing Arts Center a reality. By renovating the old Beech Grove United Methodist Church building into a multi-use building open to the community, we will fill several voids in the community and benefit the community in many ways and save one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Beech Grove. Thank you for your consideration of our request.

Project BudgetExterior Renovations $45,000

Remove 42” grass and dirt hill to street level for parking.Remove window set and install new entry door at street level

Main Level Renovations $100,000Install elevator Install chair lift at north stairs Install black out shades over all stained glass windows Install LED lighting around windows Install LED aisle lightingRemove communion railingRemove pulpit and lectern along with knee rail Install front stage curtain Install backdrop curtain Install scrim curtainInstall LED stage lightingUpgrade sound system Install larger screenInstall two 52” flat screen TVs/monitorsInstall PTZ camera system for recording/streaming eventsInstall LED stairway lighting Replace floor coverings on main levelInstall handicap restroom next to existing restroomRemove pews and install step up auditorium / theater seating

Basement Level Renovations $5,000Strip and wax floors in basementAdd tables and chairs in basementInstall TV/monitor in basement

Kitchen Renovations $25,000Upgrade refrigerator/freezer to commercial unitReplace two residential stoves with one commercial range/oven

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Install commercial ventilation and fire suppression systemInstall hand washing sinkAdd appliances

Computer Lab $5,000Game Room for Youth Activities $7,500Total Cost $187,500

Grove United Methodist Church will use $50,000 in its own funds for this project. Therefore, approximately $137,500 is needed to complete these renovations and make the Beech Grove United Missions for Christ Community Center and Performing Arts Center a reality.

We plan to charge a small fee for the use of our community center and theater/performing arts center.12 These funds will cover the building’s utilities and maintenance. Because the Beech Grove United Methodist Church owns the building free and clear, utilities and upkeep are the only costs for maintaining this facility for community use well into the future.

ConclusionBy supporting the creation of the Beech Grove United Missions for Christ Community Center and Performing Arts Center, the FOUNDATION will be helping create a much-needed multi-purpose community center and theater/performing arts center that will meet several needs in our community. We hope you will partner with us by providing financial support for this project. Thank you for your time and your consideration of our request.

Sincerely,

Randy MiddletonProject Manager

12 Beech Grove United Methodist Church will pay the same rates as other non-profit organizations for the use of the space.

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