Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company

Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company General Information Contact Information Nonprofit Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company Address P.O. Box 62 Richmond, VA 23219 Phone 804 592-0086 Fax 804 523-3061 Web Site www.ezibumuntu.org Facebook facebook.com/groups/73713768925/ Twitter @ At A Glance Year of Incorporation 1987 Organization's type of tax exempt status Public Supported Charity 1

Statements & Search Criteria Mission To educate, entertain and enrich the lives of children and the community through the preservation and performance of traditional African rhythms, dances, songs and cultural arts. Background Ezibu Muntu African Dance Company began as a student organization on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in 1973. Founder, Tanya Dennis, a dance professor at VCU, recognized a need for multicultural enrichment in the Richmond community. She particularly wanted to help the African American students find a sense of ancestral pride and self-esteem. After maintaining status as a university based group, Ezibu decided they could better serve the community with a larger nonprofit organization aimed at educating the community about African customs and traditions. In 1984, Ezibu established itself as a corporation and has been exciting and educating audiences for over 25 years. It is estimated that since it's auspicious beginning more than 1,000 individuals have been directly involved with the Ezibu Muntu family. Over the years, Ezibu has produced many professional artists in a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Renee Knight, a founding member still dances and today leads the organization. Impact ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Celebrated our 40 th Anniversary with a full spectrum of classes, workshops, performances, reunions and galas, expanding public awareness of Ezibu s role in our community. Increased youth participation in Daughter and Sons of Ezibu Dance and Drum Program by 20% to 20 youth. Featured group in DanceAfrica DC Festival (Washington, D.C.) Provided pro bono performances and classes toward health and cultural arts education GOALS: Continue development of current youth in the Daughter and Sons of Ezibu Dance and Drum Program Offer more master classes and workshops to the community by guest artist Continue pursuit of funding to support programs i.e. Master classes, dance and drum scholarships, drum maintenance Minor renovations and repairs to the studio Needs Capital Support: toward the renovation of instructional spaces and redesign and to re-purpose the reception area. Repairs and renovations to studio space: floors, ceilings, windows, paint, plumbing and more storage space. Program Support Items: Van for transportation to/from events and child pick-up/drop-off Financial support for drum maintenance Funding for travel and master classes for members from selected master dancers and drummers. Wardrobe racks or closet shelving/organizer for costumes Office Items: Computer, Color Copier and office furniture Volunteer Support: committed volunteers who can be trained on specific projects and contribute recurring hours on a somewhat regular schedule with minimal management. Legal counsel Grant writer Marketing and media exposure and support Historical record management and digitization At least one paid administrative / business manager 2

CEO/Executive Director Statement Ezibu Muntu is a professional organization of energetic dancers, drummers, entertainers and other individuals dedicated to invoking a renewed, positive and educated understanding of African culture, values, traditions and art forms as they relate to the citizens of today. The programming the community-at-large experiences enriches and supports diversity while reintroducing the basic African concepts of discipline, family, nature and spirituality. We are the premiere Afrikan Dance Company in Virginia which makes us unique in our endeavors. Suffice it to say, we are the foundation and catalyst for many if not all of the current Afrikan performing arts organizations in the state and probably one in North Carolina. Our alumni members took what they learned or experienced with us and started organizations of their own. The perpetuation of the traditions we value lets us know that our mission is attainable and has been realized. The energy Ezibu exudes not only graces the stage but radiates a truth and commitment to the ancient art forms that have led to what we know today. We hope our audiences and class participants become so enthralled and spiritually linked to the movement and music that they feel, and ultimately live, the rhythms of humanity and a personal pride for their ancestors. We want others to appreciate and respect Afrika, her people and her arts! Ezibu Muntu also stands out because of our fast-paced choreography tweaked with modern vestiges through costuming and creative presentation. We are often told that with us comes a strong sense of family, love and cohesiveness to which audiences are drawn. Our reputation is stellar and we have continued to influence audiences and students for 40 years-hailing the accomplishments and leadership of our two original members! Board Chair Statement Ezibus s founder often communicates, from California, with the leadership and has offered her advice and creative support. She purports that Sister Renee and Sister Faye, the two original members of the group are Keepers of the Dream"-her dream. Like her, I believe the group is supported with consistent and supportive leadership. These ladies, as well as the administrative team, affect the group positively and culturally. I am in awe of their fortitude. They are bestowed with a high level of respect by the younger members. Even through the stresses and hard times, the leaders of Ezibu insist upon following the protocols used by their founder. Maintain quality, integrity, honesty and truth with the membership as well as with the art forms, and blessings will follow. Open communication is also very important to this group. Because of this strong foundation of innovation, love and faith, Ezibu Muntu s legacy is inevitable. However, there is a strong need for financial support to help keep the doors to this community icon open. Many of the successes Ezibu Muntu enjoys are funded by members who all must work. All money earned from performances is donated to company operations. No member receives payment for their talents. Personal vehicles are used for out-of-town performances. There is a strong core to this company of mothers, fathers, teachers, lawyers, engineers, coaches and students, but each has obligations that sometimes make daytime performances difficult to make, with compensation available, perhaps more would participate. I truly appreciate the dedication members of Ezibu Muntu have for the community and each other. Areas Of Service Areas Served 3

Areas Metro Richmond Tri-cities Region Richmond, City Ashland Chesterfield County Hanover County Henrico County Chester We educate and perform throughout the state of Virginia and the mid-atlantic region. We have performed from New York to North Carolina and many states in between. Service Categories Cultural & Ethnic Awareness Dance 4

Programs Programs Daughter & Sons of Ezibu Description DASOE Youth Dance and Drum Program is a performance based program in which the children participate in weekly rehearsals, learning dance and drumming sequences. The children also have opportunities to present what they have learned throughout the school year. Budget $2,500.00 Strategy Long term Success Yes Youth that can speak in front of an audience, work in teams, lead others and share West African traditions. Community Classes Description Ezibu offers weekly evening classes for youth (ages 3-10), teens and adults (ages 11 and up) all year long. All classes are held at our Ezibu Muntu Dance Studio. Budget $0.00 5

Board & Governance Board Chair Board Chair Renee Knight Company Affiliation Community Volunteer Term Jan 2008 to Dec 2017 Email info@ezibumuntu.org Board Members Name Affiliation Status Patra Brodie Community Volunteer Voting Roderick Davis Community Volunteer Voting Shonda Hawkins Community Volunteer Voting Tammy McCain Community Volunteer Voting Babadunjo Olagunke Community Volunteer Voting LaShara Smith Community Volunteer Voting Faye Walker Community Volunteer Voting Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 7 Asian American/Pacific Islander 0 Caucasian 0 Hispanic/Latino 0 Native American/American Indian 0 Board Demographics - Gender Male 2 Female 5 Unspecified 0 Governance Board Term Lengths 0 Board Term Limits 0 Board Meeting Attendance % 0 Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? No No Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 100 Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions 0 6

Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 0 7

Management Executive Director/CEO Executive Director Renee Knight Term Start Jan 2008 Email info@ezibumuntu.org Staff Full Time Staff 0 Part Time Staff 0 Volunteers 0 Contractors 0 Retention Rate 0 Plans Organization has a Strategic Plan? 8

Financials Fiscal Year July Fiscal Year 2016 Projected Revenue $14,420.00 Projected Expenses $17,366.00 Endowment Value 0 Percentage (if selected) 0% Form 990s Form 990-N Form 990-N Form 990-N Form 990-N Form 990-N Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Total Revenue $37,023 -- $31,338 Total Expenses $39,738 -- $24,846 Revenue Sources Foundation and Corporation $5,125 -- -- Contributions Government Contributions $0 $0 $0 Federal -- -- State -- -- Local -- -- Unspecified -- -- Individual Contributions $4,963 -- -- Indirect Public Support -- -- -- Earned Revenue $10,174 -- $27,307 Investment Income, Net of Losses -- -- -- Membership Dues $425 -- -- Special Events $12,397 -- -- Revenue In-Kind -- -- -- Other $3,939 -- $4,031 9

Expense Allocation Program Expense $22,018 -- $20,457 Administration Expense $7,860 -- $3,860 Fundraising Expense $9,860 -- $529 Payments to Affiliates -- -- -- Total Revenue/Total Expenses 0.93 -- 1.26 Program Expense/Total Expenses 55% -- 82% Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue 44% -- -- Assets and Liabilities Total Assets $10,872 -- $6,492 Current Assets $4,066 -- $6,492 Long-Term Liabilities $0 -- $0 Current Liabilities $0 -- $0 Total Net Assets $10,872 -- $6,492 Short Term Solvency Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities -- -- -- Long Term Solvency Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets 0% -- 0% Top Funding Sources Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar -- -- -- Amount Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount -- -- -- Capital Campaign Currently in a Capital Campaign? No Goal 0 State Charitable Solicitaions Permit Permit? No 0 Comments Foundation Comments If an organization has gross receipts that are normally $50,000 or less, it can choose to file Form 990-N. 10