How is the CIC using the City’s 2020 funding?
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected scheduled programs by both the CIC and the City of Ocean Shores. Under the 2020 contractual agreement with the City, the CIC was to use the funds for “efforts carried out . . . which meet the definition of Educational Promotion,” along with other broad categories “such as advertising, payroll, and enhancement.” (quotes are taken from the CIC’s contract with the City) The CIC is contractually obligated to the City to develop strategies to expand educational opportunities regarding Washington coast’s cultural and natural history. While the building is closed to the public, that work goes on! We are still promoting education, and the City of Ocean Shores, to maintain and build interest for the future.
Much of the City funding is used for docent salaries since their main responsibility is to educate the public about the coast. We don’t have in-person visitors right now, but our docents are working collaboratively with the Board, Committees, and Volunteers in new and innovative ways.;
The main focus for the docents is now:
- Working with the Education Committee to develop new programming that can be utilized when we open again to the public;
- Working with the Communications Committee to Increase our online presence through active Social Media communication (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) keeping and building interest focused on education about the coast;
- Creating videos and other content for the new and updated website;
- Creating a YouTube channel for the CIC videos;
- Working with the Education Committee to upgrade the interpretive information on the McGee Trail;
- Working with the Exhibits Committee to update and revise labels and interpretive graphics for existing exhibits; and
- Working with both the Education and Exhibits committees on new exhibit development.
Additionally, some of the City funding has and continues to support basic office management (a percentage of the Manager’s salary) and media promotions, which in turn support our mission of education.
Most of the CIC’s unrestricted funds come from donations, merchandise sales, and annual fundraising events. With the building closed to the public, our donations are down by an estimated 86%, merchandise sales are down by 91%, and all our standard fundraisers have been cancelled leading to an estimated loss of 94%.
Unfortunately, while our expenses are also reduced, they have not gone away. The continued support of the City of Ocean Shores along with the additional support we have received through government CARES grants (PPP, Humanities Washington, and an application to the County for their Small Business Grant) will allow us to weather this storm and come back strong when the pandemic settles down. The CIC appreciates that the City understands our value to the community and will help us get through this year and look to the future.
Thank you to our community and extended friends for all of your support. Stay tuned; we will be back better than ever!