Shaping the Future: Spirit of Atlanta's Reveals Landmark Financial Blueprint
NORCROSS, GA — Making an unprecedented gesture in its storied 47-year history, Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps today unveiled its Financial Roadmap for 2023, underscoring the Corps' renewed focus on financial transparency, accountability, and a more intimate engagement with its wide circle of supporters and stakeholders.
"For the first time in our history, we're unveiling the inner workings of our finances to share with our community how we do business. This isn't just a commitment; it's a radical shift in how we operate and relate to our alumni, members, fans, and the greater drum corps community," said Jason Burns, Executive Director of Spirit of Atlanta
The infographic delivers a detailed and digestible breakdown of the Corps' operational budget and serves as a financial guidepost, illuminating what it takes to run a premier drum and bugle corps — from staff compensation and transportation to props and show production.
"As an organization committed to excellence, Spirit of Atlanta aims to compete at the highest echelons of DCI. Our alumni have expressed a clear desire to see us excel at this level, and we're fully committed to making that vision a reality. However, reaching such heights requires substantial financial resources,” said Burns. “The increased competitiveness naturally elevates operating costs across the board, from top-tier instruction and state-of-the-art equipment to intensive training programs.
“To meet these elevated standards and achieve our goals, it's imperative that we triple our fundraising efforts. We have a robust plan in place to do just that. By being transparent about our finances, we're inviting you into the heart of our mission, showing you the necessary steps to ascend to unparalleled levels of performance and impact. Your support—whether financial, in-kind, or through volunteering—is crucial to manifesting this ambitious yet achievable vision."
The Financial Roadmap provides a snapshot of our 2023 fiscal landscape, it's just the tip of the iceberg. In mid-October, Spirit of Atlanta will release a detailed three-year strategic plan – with the objective of providing our community with a clear guideline for how Spirit of Atlanta will grow towards financial stability while expanding our education offerings to reach more young people.
"Choosing this moment to share our finances isn't arbitrary. As we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026, it's crucial to build a closer, more trusting relationship with our community," added Jason Burns.
For an exclusive look at Spirit of Atlanta's first-ever Financial Roadmap, visit https://www.spiritofatlanta.org/financial-roadmap.