What is COMPAS?
COMPAS is an award-winning nonprofit that closes the creativity access gap and reduces regional disparities. For five decades, we’ve empowered Minnesotans to unleash their creativity through art-making opportunities and performances. Our professional Teaching Artists collaborate with students, teachers, older adults, patients, businesses, communities, and more, leading activities designed to unleash the participants’ creativity. Operating in schools, libraries, community centers, parks, senior living facilities, and businesses, COMPAS ensures participants have an opportunity to build skills and community while expanding their imaginations and lives.
How can I get involved?
There are several ways you can get involved with COMPAS.
- Volunteer: Join our dedicated team of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to support our initiatives.
- Donate: Your financial contributions enable us to continue our work and make a difference. You can donate online through our website or participate in fundraising events.
- Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness by sharing our mission and activities with your friends, family, and networks on social media.
- Partner: If you represent a business or organization, consider partnering with us to collaborate on projects or sponsor our programs.
Reach out if you’d like to assist us in putting creativity in the hands of all Minnesotans!
How are donations used?
We are committed to transparency and accountability in how we utilize donations. Your contributions go directly toward supporting our programs, initiatives, and operational costs. We ensure that every donation makes a meaningful impact on our mission. Learn more.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, COMPAS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records upon donating.
Can I volunteer if I have limited time or specific skills?
Absolutely! Whether you can spare a few hours a week or have specialized expertise, there are volunteer opportunities tailored to your preferences and schedule. Contact us to learn more about how you can get involved.
How do I stay updated on COMPAS activities and events?
Keep up with us through our newsletter, website, and social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube).
Can I start a fundraising campaign for COMPAS?
Yes, you can initiate a fundraising campaign to support our mission of unleashing creativity in the lives of all Minnesotans. You can also launch a fundraising campaign for your own project. Get in touch to discuss your ideas and receive support in organizing your campaign.
How can I contact COMPAS for further inquiries?
You can reach out to us via email, by phone (651.292.3249), or through the contact form on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!
How does the booking process work?
Complete this form or contact us. Once we hear from you, we’ll discuss your requirements, such as your program participants, schedule, deliverables, and artist preferences. Once the program details are confirmed, we’ll be happy to provide a fee estimate.
What do programs typically cost?
The cost depends on the amount of artist time required for a program. While all artist teaching time remains consistent across programs, factors like supplies, travel, planning, and book production, tailored to the project or scope of work requested, may affect costs. Additionally, artist performance time varies depending on the performance group.
Upon receiving a booking form, the COMPAS program team can turn around a program cost, including variables, quickly.
How do I submit payment for a program?
You can pay for programs via check or ACH. Payment isn’t required until the program begins. Once we’ve agreed on a schedule, teaching artist, and budget via email, we’ll send an agreement for signature to the site contact, outlining the details, including the budget amount. An invoice will follow this agreement.
Can you assist me with funding my program?
As a nonprofit, COMPAS continually pursues grants to ensure equitable costs for schools, organizations, libraries, and partners. COMPAS program prices cover half the total program cost. When feasible, COMPAS writes project-specific grants to support schools and partner organizations that need assistance covering program prices. Unfortunately, COMPAS can only assist a limited number of partners each year in this manner. Therefore, we encourage partners to seek funding from sources like Minnesota regional arts councils, the Minnesota State Arts Board, and other grant resources. To support this effort, COMPAS program staff can provide program, artist-specific, and budget information for grant applications.
