My Nonprofit Reviews
JohnLM
Review for Corvallis Arts Center Inc, Corvallis, OR, USA
The organization has suffered from inconsistent leadership in its purpose and role in the community. Several fabulous programs such as a "healing arts" program implemented in the local dialysis center and a "alley arts" program have made art more accessible within the community. However, other programs for raising funds (Chocolate Fantasy Art Auction) have strayed away from the charities original mission of making art accessible to the local community. Periodic opportunities to meet with artists help those artists get noticed, but are not well promoted and seem more for the benefit of the organization than the artist. Contentious relationships with artists guilds seems at odds with the charities charter and create a sense of "snobbishness" and "snootiness".
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If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Increase the focus outside of the charity in the community, improve the focus on the artist guilds and rely less on self promotion than on advocating for local artists and increasing the participation of the community in art related activities.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Unlikely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
None
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Unlikely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
Review for The Arc Of Benton County Inc, Corvallis, OR, USA
The Arc of Benton County primarily raises money through two thrift store operations located in Corvallis and Philomath. These stores are run well and pay slightly above minimum wage for workers who generally have difficulty finding employment at other employers. Item donations to these stores stay local and provide, in themselves, a reasonable benefit for people in the area; they have a modest collaborative effort with area charities to help keep prices lower and selection higher. Other funds come from periodic grants and rental of residential units to families of people with IDD. These properties are reasonably well maintained and run essentially at cost.
A long term executive director provides inconsistent leadership that changes based on opportunity rather than purpose. A volunteer board is intermittently and minimally involved in directing the organization. The social benefits of the organization are modest and in good intention but do not provide leadership for social change or disruption of known problems.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Require more transparency and benchmarking against other charities with similar operating models. Be more focused on social purpose than on raising money.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Unlikely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A little
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Badly
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
No
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2014
