CHICO - Centro for Hispanic & Immigrant Community Opportunities
Project Name: Ballet Folklórico de Decatur
Project summary: Ballet Folklórico de Decatur creates a safe, motivating space to learn and preserve Hispanic folklore through dance. The program empowers women and girls by instilling cultural pride, mentorship, and performance opportunities while promoting leadership, personal growth, and cultural appreciation.
Amount requested: $7,500
Website: https://www.chico-illinois.org/
Project statement of need: Ballet Folklórico de Decatur addresses a critical need for cultural enrichment and empowerment in the lives of Hispanic girls and young women, particularly in underserved communities where resources for extracurricular activities are limited.
The project aims to preserve the most important aspects of Hispanic culture, especially folkloric dance, and to educate both families and broader audiences about Hispanic history and heritage. Through the celebration of Ballet Folklórico, we strengthen the national identity of Hispanic Americans, passing on traditions that honor Latin America’s past and provide a tangible connection to cultural roots for future generations. The program promotes values such as respect, discipline, and cultural pride while enriching our community’s involvement in the arts and fostering a sense of belonging. This initiative seeks to activate the transformative qualities of art and culture by investing in educational, financial, and relationship-building resources. The goal is to bolster artistic excellence, cultivate cultural stewardship, and promote diversity. By engaging in rehearsals and performances, participants not only develop technical dance skills but also experience the profound impact of cultural engagement on their personal growth. This program ultimately offers participants an opportunity to learn new skills, gain self-discipline, and explore their heritage, thus providing them with equity in accessing quality education and development opportunities.
Describe how this project aligns with your organization's mission and goals? This project aligns with CHICO’s mission by promoting cultural preservation, empowerment, and youth development. Ballet Folklórico de Decatur offers a platform for Hispanic youth to connect with their heritage through traditional dance, fostering unity, belonging, and cultural pride. The program also advances CHICO’s advocacy for the arts, addressing the under-capitalization of artistic communities of color. By empowering Hispanic women and girls with dance, it strengthens their connection to their identity and allows them to share their culture with the broader community. Students will learn leadership skills while understanding the importance of giving back to their community, reflecting CHICO’s focus on fostering cultural pride and awareness. This project enhances CHICO’s vision of culture, collaboration, and community engagement, strengthening connections between generations and the broader community through the arts.
Age groups served: 6-65
Gender served: Female
Number of females served: 12
Explanation of intent - new program: 1. The creation of this pilot program was prompted by the recognition of a critical gap in opportunities for Hispanic girls and women, particularly those in underserved communities, to connect with their cultural heritage in a meaningful and empowering way. We sought to create a free, accessible space that provides girls and women with the chance to learn and experience their cultural traditions through dance, while also developing valuable life skills such as leadership, discipline, and self-expression.
2. This program will succeed because it’s rooted in values and cultural heritage central to participants' families, unlocking their potential for learning and self-expression. It addresses the needs of Hispanic girls and women by offering a platform to engage with their heritage, build confidence, and form connections with adults, fostering a growth mindset. Research shows cultural arts programs are vital for youth development, self-discipline, commitment, and a sense of community.
Sustainability beyond grant period: To ensure the long-term sustainability of Ballet Folklórico de Decatur beyond the grant period, we will implement a multi-faceted financial strategy:
1. Cultural Art Grants: We will apply for additional cultural arts grants from local and state sources to provide ongoing financial support for the program’s operations, ensuring that arts education and cultural enrichment activities continue.
2. Annual Operating Budget: The program will develop an annual budget covering short- and long-term costs. By managing expenses and setting aside a portion of current funding, we’ll ensure the program has resources to cover essential costs like instructor fees, costumes, and performances after the grant period ends.
3. Fundraising Initiatives: We will implement fundraising efforts such as annual performances, community events, and targeted campaigns to engage individual donors and corporate sponsors. These events will also raise awareness of the program’s impact and build community support, further contributing to financial sustainability.
By leveraging cultural art grants, careful financial planning, and ongoing fundraising, we are confident that Ballet Folklórico de Decatur will sustain and grow, continuing to provide valuable cultural and educational experiences for Hispanic youth and women in the community.
If you receive partial funding, how would the program be impacted? We would prioritize essential components and scale back activities. Performances: Limit to 2 major events annually, maintaining quality. Mentorship: Reduce mentors or shift to group format, limiting one-on-one interactions. Instructor Costs: Reduce program coordinator stipend and class offerings. Outreach: Focus on digital marketing and partnerships to cut costs. While some activities would be reduced, core elements like dance instruction, mentorship, and community engagement would remain.
Project budget narrative: The proposed budget for Ballet Folklórico de Decatur prioritizes cultural education, leadership training, and community involvement, which are central to our mission.
Budget Breakdown:
1. Instructor Fees: A portion of the budget will compensate experienced instructors to provide high-quality dance instruction and cultural education. We have identified an instructor from St. Louis who charges $600 for one day of instruction, with two sessions planned during the grant period.
2. Performance Costs: The program will host 4 performances and community events to showcase students' growth and allow them to share their cultural heritage. The budget will cover costumes, event coordination, and other related costs. A quote for costumes and event coordinator stipend is included, with $1,000 allocated for the event coordinator. We are also requesting $1,500 for participant meals and gifts.
3. Mentorship Program: Funding will support a mentorship program where each participant is paired with a mentor for guidance in both personal and professional areas. Mentor stipends will be $15/hour, with a max of 4 mentors providing one hour per week. Workshop stipends will be $50/workshop, with a max of 4.
4. Administrative Costs: These include marketing and outreach expenses to ensure smooth operation, compliance with regulations, and effective communication within the target community.
