Forward Warrior has managed grant funds and private donations from a variety of sources, including the Atlanta Department of City Planning NPU Grant Program, Fulton County Arts Council, City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong, and the Coca Cola Foundation matching funds program. Historically, the average individual grant size has been $4000, and unrestricted funds have generally been budgeted by the parent organization, Cabbagetown Initiative 501c3 Community Developement Corporation, as part of its operating cash.
Since the organization assumed a greater role in project management circa 2018, the yearly event has returned a negligible profit, focused on operating with a net positive. When fundraising efforts are successful, we have been able to provide an honorarium for the curator. The 2020 Budget includes plans to participate in partnership programs that will pay a modest fee to three artists in key locations, and support emerging artists with a small stipend for supplies & support equipment.
The event organizing team has outside experience managing other budgets in the six-figure range for high profile installations and large-scale events, in addition to several years’ history with the Forward Warrior Mural Project and its own meager beginnings. Managing grant close out forms and corporate invoicing has taught the principals to carefully plan and control costs using best practices, and when necessary, relying on the support and expertise of the currently elected CI Treasurer (usually from a financial services background) or the long-term consulting CPA, Jessica Stewart.
CI does not operate with a deficit, and the Forward Warrior budget changes to reflect the yearly financial positions of the organization, based on fluctuating maintenance costs for the primary properties and the success of public events like the annual Chomp & Stomp Festival. For example, CI most recently limited the 2019 & 2020 Forward Warrior operating budgets, proactively speculating shortfalls in the general fund, but worked closely with the team to prepare for a successful installation with alternate monetary sources. Close coordination with the Board of Directors assures that line item revisions are developed several months in advance, spending categories can be adjusted appropriately, and philanthropic outreach is given ample time for strategic positioning.
