The purpose of the MCFP is to promote a thoughtful, strategic approach to the planning and development of cultural facilities in the state. MCFP offers technical assistance with a financial incentive toward that end. MCFP's philosophy was shaped in part by a 1992 study, which showed that facilities dominate cultural organizations' budgets to an extent rarely seen in other sectors. In spite of this, they are often managed as if they were peripheral to the health of an organization. The study also found several common weaknesses in facilities planning.
Many projects are more expensive than organizations can comfortably handle.
Many projects are also developed without external help, by staff who often lack expertise in facilities projects. But facilities are a means, not an end. We try to help organizations find ways to get the largest return they can from the smallest reasonable investment in their facility. In its first 15 months of operation, MCFP has served more than 330 organizations of all sizes from all parts of the state. Three more loans are under consideration.