PROJECT MOST IS AT AN INFLECTION POINT
The donation of a home to become the new Project MOST Community Learning Center propelled members of the Board of Directors and staff to embark on a strategic planning process and launch the Strengthening Our Community Capital Campaign. Our goal is to build a state-of-the-art educational center on the site of the Neighborhood House at 92 Three Mile Harbor Road in East Hampton.
The strategic plan process highlighted six priorities for Project MOST to develop in the next five years. They are the building blocks for long-term sustainability:
A permanent educational and recreational home for Project MOST
An adequate number of professionals and systems to manage a growing organization
Increased capacity and program development to serve more members in our community
Staff/teacher retention
A marketing plan to increase visibility and expand outreach to more children and families.
A permanent endowment
This project includes the dismantling, temporary storage, translation to the new site, and external and internal architectural re-design to convert the former home into an ADA-compliant educational and recreational facility that is in harmony with its residential neighborhood. The re-imagined building will feature classrooms for enrichment programs, both academic and creative, larger multi-use spaces for athletics and performing arts, and a New York State Department of Health-approved kitchen for culinary arts programs. The new complex will also serve as an event rental venue for outside events, like the function of the Neighborhood House in the local community for the past 100 years.
Estimated Project Cost: $5,000,000
Special thanks to the East Hampton Neighborhood House for helping make this happen.
HAVING THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND SYSTEMS TO MANAGE A GROWING ORGANIZATION
Since its founding in 2001, Project MOST has focused primarily on staffing its programs to serve the community and carry out its mission. As the organization grows in capacity, so does the responsibility to manage all areas
of nonprofit management efficiently. We feel the time is ripe for professionalizing its administrative side by adding experienced staff to manage and protect this investment for future generations. Additionally, for Project MOST to be competitive in an increasingly digitalized world, it needs the appropriate electronic platforms and database systems to document, measure, communicate, and project financial, programmatic, fundraising, and marketing goals. As we say, the SS Enterprise cannot travel from Point A to Point B without its captain and crew.
Estimated Cost over the next five years: $1,000,000
FRAMING THE CONVERSATION AROUND CUTTING-EDGE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
The increased square footage of the Project MOST new home
will expand existing programs, including after school enrichment programs featuring academic support, STEM, arts & culture, health & wellness programs, the innovative iGROW Summer Learning Program, and community classes for adults. Project MOST plans to expand its programming to include a program for 0–3-year-olds, and affordable tutoring for all ages, from elementary-age students to teens seeking college test prep. This program expansion goes hand in hand with an increase in its Scholarship Program for its school-year enrichment and tutoring classes and its iGrow Summer Learning Program. Project MOST opens its doors to children and students from all walks of life, regardless of their ability to pay.
The organization is committed to equity, access, and learning opportunities for all.
Estimated Cost over the next five years: $1,250,000
NURTURING, DEVELOPING, AND KEEPING THE BEST TEACHERS
It is no secret that there is a shortage of teachers in Eastern Long Island due to the high cost of living, limited housing opportunities, and competition from the school districts. Project MOST seeks to be the best employer on the East End. It will do so by reassessing employee compensation packages, offering thorough onboarding, orientation, and mentoring practices, designing equitable workplace communications systems, offering continuous feedback on performance, offering professional training, and above all, offering a nice life-work balance.
Estimated Cost: $250,000
KNOW OUR PROGRAMS: REACHING TO A BIGGER COMMUNITY ON THE EAST END
Project MOST’s vision is to be the leading premier enrichment program on the East End. It is not enough to expand programs and establish a new home to ensure long-term sustainability. With
that goal in mind, Project MOST will develop a community outreach plan to expand its impact to diverse communities through digital platforms, PR, and advertising efforts on the East End to attract new students and families to enroll in their school year and summer programs.
Estimated cost: $250,000 over five years
Since its inception, Project MOST has directed most of its modest financial resources to programming and teacher salaries. A temporary loss of New York State funding propelled the organization to establish cash reserves to address potential major disruptors such as a new pandemic, or economic downturn. With the acquisition of a new home and a new campus, the Board of Directors and staff believe now is the time to create a permanent endowment to secure long-term sustainability of Project MOST’s vision and protect this capital campaign investment for future generations.
Desired endowment capital: $2,250,000
Project MOST estimates a total cost of $10,000,000 over five years. To date, Project MOST has secured $5,500,000, or 55% of its goal. We need your help to create the most important Community Learning Center on the East End.
Please consider making an unrestricted gift to the campaign or any of these priorities. We will work with you to craft flexible, multiple-year gifts that can accommodate any budget. We are always interested in exploring a legacy gift to build Project MOST’s endowment, and we will be happy to discuss more details with you.
| Building | $5,000,00 |
|---|---|
| Organizational Strength | $1,000,000 |
| Programming | $1,250,000 |
| Talent Retention | $250,000 |
| Increased Visibility | $250,000 |
| Endowment | $2,250,000 |
| Total projected costs: | $10,000,000 |