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See Lancaster - A different type
of Non-Profit
As members of the See Lancaster staff prepare the 2006-2007 Annual Report,
it became evident that our non-profit organization is much different than
other types of 501-C-3's. Most non-profits deal with human resources, the
arts or civic groups that have memberships to help support them. See
Lancaster is unique in that it does not fall into any of those categories.
"Our mission is to encourage tourism, stimulate downtown
revitalization, and preserve historic sites throughout Lancaster County,
South Carolina". This mission is entirely different than most
non-profits who have a cause that the general public can understand more
clearly and support monetarily by memberships and other ways. See
Lancaster is a business operation that works in economic development,
promotions and marketing. We don't have a "product" to offer
supporters, but instead are a service operation that has to work from an
entirely different "big picture" in developing a budget for a
501 C-3.
As we submit our budget for presentations and the annual report, we are
very aware that because we do not ask the public for support by
membership or have financial business backers, we must look to
government and grants as primary resources. The City of Lancaster was
willing to start funding for the new organization and has continued its
support with the county increasing their support each year. However,
because of our uniqueness it is difficult to find many grants that
involve economic development or marketing.
Over our two short years of existence we have had a great deal of
in-kind services that have assisted with our events. In-kind support is
money that a business or one of the Main Street cities have spent that
See Lancaster did not have to in order to offer such occasions as the
Christmas Train, Friday at Last and the annual Hog Jam in Kershaw. This
kind of assistance is invaluable and adds up to many thousands of
dollars. With out this type of backing many things we have done would
not have occurred.
At present See Lancaster is using and taking advantage of all possible
resources to develop a budget and annual report that gives a clear and
fair picture of how we operate. More and more agencies are looking to
See Lancaster for assistance in marketing, promotion and
revitalization which stretches our resources, but is so necessary for
a quality community and recognition for our county.
To learn more about us stop in our Information Office during week
days and visit with us. We are located in the Arts Council building
at 201 W. Gay and have a small gift shop and many local and state
brochures to pick up.
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