Springstep Receives Grant to Improve Building
Springstep Awarded $209,000 Matching Grant for Facility Enhancement
Family Foundation Offers $100,000 Challenge Grant
Springstep has been awarded a $209,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund to enhance and repair its building so that it can improve its performance space, provide quality community space for social dance groups, and better accommodate its multicultural dance, movement, and music class offerings. Springstep was among 85 nonprofits and cultural facilities whose requests were approved from over 130 applicants.
The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund was established through the 2006 Economic Stimulus Bill approved by the Massachusetts Legislature to invest in the Commonwealth’s creative economy. Designed to enable nonprofit cultural organizations and communities to purchase, renovate, or expand, all grants from the fund must be matched dollar-for-dollar by other specifically designated cash contributions.
The total cost for Springstep’s enhancement and improvement projects is estimated to be over $420,000. In order to access the full award from MCFF, the Hawkins Family Foundation has offered a $100,000 challenge grant. The foundation hopes its pledge will encourage additional giving so that Springstep may access the full award and serve an even greater number of people from diverse communities and backgrounds.
“We are grateful for this significant grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund and hope that the challenge grant will help to rally others in support of Springstep” said Deborah Hawkins, Springstep’s founder and Board Chair. “Springstep has become a beloved home for dozens of social dance groups, has taught thousands of adults and children through our dance and movement classes, and hosted over 50 performances during the last eight years.”
Springstep, a 15,600 square foot award-winning arts and performance facility, is located in the heart of Medford Square. It hosts a diverse range of cultural events, classes, and social dances for youth and adults. The building includes an art gallery of rotating exhibits and a wide range of studios, meeting rooms, and function spaces that are available for rent for private and nonprofit special events. Located at 98 George P. Hassett Drive, across from Medford City Hall, Springstep offers ample free parking and is accessible via public transportation.
For more information please call 781-395-0402, or visit the website at www.springstep.org.
– Information from Springstep