Friends FAQ
Who are the Friends of NCC?
Friends of NCC is a sizable group of your neighbors who think the Community Center is a great asset to the Nederland area and should be supported. They’ve given thousands of dollars over the past few years to help the Center provide recreation, meeting space, social events and fellowship to Nederland area residents. They also donate time and expertise to CC projects like the kitchen, the sound baffles in the Mountain Meeting Room, the Fitness Center, and “Art at the Center” exhibitions. Over two weekends in July 2010 they painted the West Wing exterior so it looked halfway decent!
How many Friends are there, actually?
170 people and businesses have contributed to the Community Center since it was opened in 2001. 21 of those are currently Friends. Membership is only $10 per year.
How are the Friends organized? Do we have to attend a lot of meetings?
The Nederland Community Center Foundation organized the Friends in order to generate and recognize broad, long-term support for the Center’s activities and projects. Friends donate through the Foundation (a charitable nonprofit) so that their contributions are eligible for income tax credits. The Foundation has a 7-member board who earn unbelievable salaries (zero) for helping the Center prosper.
Friends communicate with other Friends through the www.nederlandcommunitycenter.org website, through phone calls, email, Facebook (@nederlandcommunitycenter), or even (gasp!) in person. Friends only meet when there’s a specific event or project that needs hands-on action.
Why does the Community Center need my support? Doesn’t the Town pay for it?
The CC needs your help. Back in 2002, Nederland voters approved a tiny portion of sales tax revenue for CC support. That, plus rental revenues and Fitness Place memberships, pays about 90% of the cost of operating the Center. The Town subsidizes the rest out of its general budget—not a sustainable plan. Friends of the NCC can’t make up this shortfall, but they can provide support for special renovation projects and creative activities. These make the CC more attractive to everybody, and will eventually bring revenues up to scale. Friends’ support also makes it easier for the Foundation to seek grant funding. A wide base of support from Friends is the long-term guarantee of success.
What projects are the Friends working on now?
Projects we’re working on include finishing the shower/locker room, located behind the gymnasium; new folding chairs and tables for the Mountain Meeting Room; adding a window to the conference room; restoring the Magnolia Schoolhouse as a pottery studio; and convincing more people to use the CC for family celebrations, dances, parties, group meetings, retreats—all kinds of gatherings. Friends can help spread the word about the Center and its attractions.
What a great group! But...... What’s in it for me?
Benefits!!! Aside from supporting a great community asset, you can find out what’s going on and what’s being planned at the Community Center. You’re involved in thinking about and supporting new projects, new ideas, and new fundraising efforts. And every so often, we get together for a celebration. Just to let you know we appreciate you!
Tell your friends about Friends—the more we grow, the better the Community Center will be!
