A Critical Moment for Shine
Friends of Shine,
We want to share something with you honestly:
Shine is at a critical turning point.
Like many arts nonprofits, the past few years have been incredibly challenging. Despite significant efforts to reduce expenses, our expenses are currently exceeding our income, and we are behind on rent.
Since January, we have made difficult decisions to reduce over $5,000 in monthly expenses including eliminating one full-time position and two part-time roles. These were not easy choices, but they were necessary steps toward sustainability.
Even with these changes, it has not been enough to stabilize us quickly.
Without immediate support, Shine may not be able to continue operating.
It has become clear that our current model will need to change in order for Shine to survive. We are actively exploring what it looks like to move forward in a more sustainable, reimagined way, but we need time to do that well.
That’s why we are inviting our community into this moment with us.
We are launching a 30-day effort to stabilize Shine and create a path forward.
Our 30-day goal is to raise $50,000 and fully sell out our upcoming productions of Newsies and Newsies Jr.
If we are able to reach this goal, it will:
Allow us to complete our current season of shows
Support the salaries of our remaining staff
Cover immediate, essential expenses including our $13,000/month facility costs
Give us the runway needed to make necessary structural changes
If we are not able to reach this goal, we will be forced to make significant decisions about the future of the organization.
You may have questions about what change at Shine will look like in the coming months.
The truth is: the outcome of these next 30 days will help determine that. The level of support we receive will directly shape what Shine is able to become moving forward—both in scope and structure.
But one thing is certain:
Shine will always be a place where students are known, valued, and transformed through the performing arts.
Every gift, of any size, helps extend the time we need to fight for a future for Shine.
If Shine has impacted your family, your student, or your life in any way, we are asking you to stand with us now.