Sustaining & Evolving

Girls For A Change is always evolving to meet the current needs of Black girls in order to sustain their success. Similarly, our building can evolve through flexible design and passive income spaces to sustain both operations and our programming. A passive income strategy is important for a nonprofit like GFAC because it provides a reliable source of income. Nonprofits often rely on donations and grants to fund their operations, but these sources of funding can be unpredictable and may not be enough to cover all of the organization's expenses. By diversifying their revenue streams with a passive income strategy, GFAC can become more self-sufficient and less reliant on external funding sources, enabling us to better weather economic downturns or other disruptions that may impact traditional funding sources, such as a global pandemic. Additionally, the passive income generated through leasing can be reinvested back into the organization to further support their programs and initiatives. The new building has passive income potential in half of its usable space.

Potential features of each space that could support both programmatic and passive income:

1. Wellness and Movement Studio: This space could be used for Camp Diva Leadership Academy programming, such as yoga and mindfulness sessions. It could also be leased out for yoga classes or other fitness events. Features that support both could include high-quality audio/visual equipment for instruction and an open, flexible layout that can be adapted for different uses.

2. Commercial kitchen: This space could be used for the Immersion Lab program, where participants could develop and test their food-based business ideas. It could also be leased out to food trucks or other food entrepreneurs who need a commercial kitchen space to prepare their products. Features that support both could include topof-the-line equipment and ample storage space.

3. Library: This space could be used for Girl Action Teams programming, where participants could research and plan their community projects. It could also be leased out for book clubs, author talks, or other literary events. Features that support both could include comfortable seating areas, a curated collection of books and resources, and multimedia equipment for presentations.

4. Meeting space: This space could be used for all four GFAC programs, as well as for community groups or organizations that need a place to meet. Features that support both could include a range of seating options (tables and chairs, couches, etc.), whiteboards or other visual aids, and video conferencing capabilities.

5. Maker space: This space could be used for Girl Action Teams and the Immersion Lab, as well as for individual and group projects. It could also be leased out to makers or artists who need a space to create and collaborate. Features that support both could include a variety of tools and materials (e.g. 3D printers, sewing machines, art supplies), flexible storage options, and work tables that can be reconfigured for different projects.

6. Event space/outdoor garden space: This space could be used for all four GFAC programs, as well as for weddings, parties, and other events. Features that support both could include a stage or performance area, sound and lighting equipment, and versatile seating arrangements (e.g. chairs and tables, couches and lounge areas).

Overall, the key is to design each space to be flexible and adaptable, so that it can support both GFAC programming and external leasing opportunities. By offering a range of spaces and amenities, GFAC can generate passive income while also creating a hub for Black girls and women to learn, create, and grow.