Business + Art

Photo by David Adam Edelstein

When the Shunpike first met Circus Contraption, a nonprofit collective of physical performers and musicians, their ensemble was struggling to cooperatively perform the organization's business functions.  With a mostly inactive board and no comprehensive fundraising strategy they were stressed and burnt-out from juggling creative and administrative roles.  Together, we set out to make things easier.

Following a series of thoughtful strategic planning sessions, the members of Circus Contraption reorganized the structure of their group and decided to hire a managing director.  We not only guided them through the hiring process, but also recruited and trained several new board members and worked with the board to create the organization's first annual budget in more than 10 years.  By reactivating Circus' board and development efforts, we helped them secure new support -- both in grants and individual donations.