Volunteer: In-Kind Facility Partnership Strategy Proposal

About the role

Taproot Foundation is supporting Steel Sensation Steel Orchestra Corporation, a Queens‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in expanding its youth steelpan programs. The organization urgently needs a permanent host facility that can provide indoor space for group and individual lessons, secure storage for heavy steelpan equipment, and an outdoor yard or parking area for full‑ensemble rehearsals during competition preparation. Because commercial rent in New York is financially out of reach, Steel Sensation is seeking building owners, churches, schools, cultural venues, or commercial property managers willing to provide zero‑cost or low‑cost shared space. The volunteer will act as a pro bono strategic consultant to articulate community value, create an institutional pitch deck, and design an in‑kind partnership framework that incentivizes property owners to open their doors to the youth programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop an In‑Kind Partner Value Proposition that outlines mutual benefits for property owners (e.g., free community performances, youth engagement, facility activation, joint grant eligibility, and tax deduction pathways).
• Create an Institutional Pitch Deck with slide‑by‑slide copy detailing specific space needs—indoor lesson rooms, secure instrument storage, outdoor rehearsal footprint, and loading access—alongside Steel Sensation’s track record of youth mentorship and cultural preservation.
• Draft a Primary Property Owner & Institutional Outreach Letter tailored to building owners, school administrators, church boards, and community center directors.
• Design a Site Evaluation Criteria Checklist to help leadership assess candidate sites for noise clearance, transit access, storage security, and late‑night access.
• Provide a Final Handoff & Strategy Session that includes all editable source files (Word/Google Docs) and a 60‑minute review call to guide the leadership team on pitching prospective host sites and property owners.

Mission

Steel Sensation Steel Orchestra Corporation is dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and enriching communities through the vibrant art of steelpan music. Founded by Trinidadian‑born drummer Ian Japsi and his family, the nonprofit inspires creativity, confidence, and leadership in young people—especially those from underserved backgrounds—while fostering unity and cultural pride. Through structured steelpan classes, hands‑on workshops, mentorship, and performance opportunities such as the New York Panorama, Steel Sensation provides safe, engaging musical outlets that develop discipline, teamwork, and artistic excellence, supporting personal growth, resilience, and community leadership.