Bak Middle School of the Arts Foundation

What Bak Middle School of the Arts Foundation does

BAK Middle School of the Arts Foundation (BAK MSOA Foundation) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1999 and headquartered at 1725 Echo Lake Dr., West Palm Beach, Florida. It exists to raise and deploy permanent resources that sustain world-class arts and academic programming at Bak Middle School of the Arts, a public, audition-based middle school serving approximately 1,300 students in grades 6–8 drawn from across Palm Beach County. The foundation operates with a small staff of approximately 5, led by Executive Director Susy Diaz Piesco, and is governed by a volunteer board of directors drawn from wealth management, legal, real estate, and media backgrounds.

The foundation's core "products" are programmatic funding streams rather than commercial offerings. It runs a general donation program plus eight department-specific donation channels (Band, Strings, Dance, Piano, Theatre, Vocal, Visual Arts, Communications), several signature fundraising events (Jazz Under the Stars, Fall in Love with Bak, Theatre Auctions, VIP Parking Space Auctions, Bak at the Ballpark, A Grand Night for Singing), and educational outreach programs including the Petite Stars Sonatina & Sonata Festival and a Performance Request Service. Underlying technology is intentionally lightweight: a Squarespace-hosted website with PayPal donation processing, SeatYourself for ticketing, 32auctions for online auctions, and Eventbrite for RSVP management. Since 2012, the foundation has directed over $2.5 million into arts programming, funding its Wish List Program (which covers >50% of professional arts instructor and supply costs) and an Artist in Residence program that brings organizations such as American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey, and the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes to the school.

The revenue model is community-driven and multi-stream: individual donations (tax-deductible), event-based ticket sales and auctions, and corporate sponsorships. Distribution and outreach are handled through email, Facebook, Instagram, community events, and direct outreach to parents and donors in Palm Beach County. The foundation earns no revenue from commercial customers; its donors are households, alumni families, and local businesses, and its sole beneficiary is Bak MSOA.

Name

Bak Middle School of the Arts Foundation

Legal name

BAK Middle School of the Arts Foundation Inc.

Website

https://msoafoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BAK Middle School of the Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in West Palm Beach, Florida that raises funds from individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community events to support arts education for approximately 1,300 students at Bak Middle School of the Arts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Arts Education Fundraising

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAKAJ

Arts, Culture & Humanities Grantmaking Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYBPAGAKAK

Education Grantmaking Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYBPAGAHAC

Arts Education & Community Arts Programs

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Arts, Culture & Heritage Nonprofits

SECONDARYBPAGADAB

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

Keywords

• Nonprofit fundraising
• Arts education funding
• School foundation support
• Community event fundraising
• Charitable donation programs

Headquarters

HQ city

West Palm Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting specific arts programs or general foundation operations. Donations processed via PayPal with options to support particular departments (Band, Strings, Dance, Piano, Theatre, Vocal, Visual Arts, Communications).
2. Event-Based Fundraising: Revenue generated from ticket sales and auctions at events such as Jazz Under the Stars, Fall in Love with Bak, Theatre Auctions, Vocal Auctions, VIP Parking Space Auctions, and Bak at the Ballpark.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorship opportunities for events like A Grand Night for Singing and Jazz Under the Stars, where businesses sponsor musical pieces or event components.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The BAK Middle School of the Arts Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit fundraising organization that develops permanent resources to ensure world-class standards of excellence in arts and academics at Bak Middle School of the Arts. It raises funds through individual donations, event ticket sales, auctions, and corporate sponsorships to support eight arts disciplines (Band, Strings, Dance, Piano, Theatre, Vocal, Visual Arts, and Communications) via the Artist in Residence, Guest Artist, and Wish List programs. Since 2012, the foundation has provided over $2.5 million to enhance arts programs and curriculum.

Product overview

The Middle School of the Arts Foundation operates as a single unified nonprofit fundraising organization focused on supporting Bak Middle School of the Arts. The Foundation provides a portfolio of donation programs (general and department-specific), signature fundraising events (Jazz Under the Stars, Theatre Auctions, Fall in Love with Bak, VIP Parking Space Auctions), educational programs (Petite Stars Sonatina & Sonata Festival, Performance Request Service), and the core Artist in Residence and Wish List Programs that fund professional arts instruction and supplies across all 8 arts disciplines (Band, Strings, Dance, Piano, Theatre, Vocal, Visual Arts, Communications). All programs work together to bridge the funding gap for arts education at the public school.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• General Donation Program Donation program allowing supporters to contribute to all arts programs at Bak MSOA through PayPal. Supports the Artist in Residence, Consultant and Guest Artist Program serving all 8 arts disciplines.
• Department-Specific Donation Program Targeted donation options for individual arts departments including Band, Strings, Dance, Piano, Theatre, Vocal, Visual Arts, and Communications. Each department has a dedicated PayPal donation link.
• Jazz Under the Stars Annual outdoor jazz performance event supporting the Band Program. Features beginning and advanced jazz student performances with piece sponsorship opportunities. Donations go directly to the Band Department for instruments, sheet music, stands, instruction, and behind-the-scenes essentials. Tickets $10 per person.
• Theatre Auction Interactive auction event held during theatre productions. Features ticket-based bidding system (1 sheet of 10 tickets for $20 or 3 sheets for $50) with separate online silent auction for specialty items.
• Fall in Love with Bak Community outreach program inviting the public to learn about and experience arts at Bak MSOA. Features three different sessions covering Music (Strings, Band, Piano, Vocal), Dance & Visual Arts, and Communications & Theatre, with student performances and facility tours.
• VIP Parking Space Auction Annual auction of premium reserved parking spaces at Bak MSOA for the school year. Spaces come with personal reserved signage and are marketed as ensuring convenient parking for visitors, volunteers, and performance attendees.
• Petite Stars Sonatina & Sonata Festival Piano festival open to Palm Beach County elementary students from kindergarten through 5th grade. Provides opportunity to perform Sonatas or Sonatinas in a professional environment with feedback from professionals. Includes Certificates of Participation, Bak MSOA pins, and medals.
• Performance Request Service Service allowing external organizations to request student performer appearances. Requires minimum 4 weeks advance notice and expects donations to the school's art area through the foundation.
• Artist in Residence Program Foundation-funded program bringing local and national arts professionals to provide master classes, week-long residencies, and year-long individual and small group instruction across all 8 art areas at Bak MSOA.
• Wish List Program Program providing over 50% of funding necessary for professional arts instructors and funds for art area specific supplies, needs, and technology. Supports the faculty wish lists for art specific supplies and technology.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $2.5 million provided to enhance arts programs since 2012
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• Kravis Center for the Performing ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Partner in the Arts on the foundation's website, indicating collaboration in supporting arts education and performances in Palm Beach County.
• Maltz Jupiter TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Partner in the Arts on the foundation's website, indicating collaboration in supporting theatre arts education.
• Lake Worth PlayhouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Partner in the Arts, supporting community theatre arts in the region.
• Palm Beach DramaworksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Partner in the Arts, professional theatre company collaboration.
• Palm Beach OperacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Partner in the Arts, supporting vocal arts education and opera appreciation.
• Palm Beach SymphonycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Partner in the Arts, supporting music education and orchestral performances.
• Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a Partner in the Arts, supporting chamber music education and performances.
• Fox Rothschild LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor/logo partner on the foundation website.
• Joe DiMaggio Children's HospitalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor/logo partner on the foundation website.
• Freedman and HaasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor/logo partner on the foundation website - orthodontics practice.
• K&M Power SystemsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor/logo partner on the foundation website - generator dealer.
• Gonzalez & CartwrightminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor/logo partner on the foundation website.
• Central & Hispanic Chambers of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization listed on the Board of Directors page, supporting business community connections.
• Cultural Council of Palm Beach CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization listed on the Board of Directors page, the primary cultural organization for Palm Beach County.
• Palm Beach Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization listed on the Board of Directors page.
• American Ballet TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenowned dance organization providing residencies and master classes at Bak MSOA through foundation funding.
• American Dance Legacy InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDance organization providing residencies at Bak MSOA through foundation funding.
• Jon Lehrer Dance CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDance company providing residencies at Bak MSOA.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance TheatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-renowned dance company providing residencies and master classes at Bak MSOA.
• Limón Dance CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional dance company providing residencies at Bak MSOA.
• Radio City Music Hall RockettescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIconic dance company providing residencies and master classes at Bak MSOA.
• Carnegie HallmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor the 2023-2024 school year, students were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall.
• Chicago SymphonymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor the 2023-2024 school year, students were invited to perform at the Chicago Symphony.
• Steinway Hall New York CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor the 2023-2024 school year, students were invited to perform at Steinway in New York City.
• American Choral Directors AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents invited to perform at the American Choral Director's Regional Conference.
• Festival of the Arts at EpcotminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents scheduled to perform at Epcot to engage with national and international artists.
• Heritage Music Festival at Mosesian Center for the ArtsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBak MSOA Advanced Band performed at this festival in Boston, representing the school with excellence.
• Frost Prep Advanced Piano ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Luca Cubisino and Dr. Beiyao Ji visited Bak's piano department to share their program with students.
• Dreyfoos School of the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDreyfoos senior students, many who played principal roles in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production, visited Bak's theatre program.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• VH1 Save The Music Foundation: National nonprofit that donates instruments and music programming to public schools. Directly comparable in mission (filling public-school arts funding gaps) and beneficiary profile (K-12 students).
• Young Audiences Arts for Learning: National arts-in-education nonprofit providing artist residencies, master classes, and programming to K-12 schools. Overlaps with Bak Foundation's Artist in Residence and Wish List Programs in delivering professional arts instruction to students.
• New World School of the Arts Foundation: Foundation supporting New World School of the Arts, a Florida public arts high school and college. Comparable as a regional public-arts-school fundraising vehicle serving a similar donor base in South Florida.
• National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts): National nonprofit identifying and supporting exceptional young artists in visual, literary, design, and performing arts. Comparable as a high-profile arts education nonprofit serving young artists across multiple disciplines.
• Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation: National nonprofit that funds music education programs and instruments for K-12 schools. Highly comparable grantmaking mission supporting school-based arts instruction, with a similar donor-supported funding model.
• Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts Foundation: Independent foundation supporting Palm Beach County's flagship public high school for the arts. Directly comparable in mission (fundraising for a single public arts school) and geography, and is referenced as a peer institution by the Bak Foundation.

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute: Education arm of Carnegie Hall offering national K-12 music education programs. Larger, more established organization that partners with Bak MSOA but operates a much broader portfolio of music education programs.
• Lincoln Center Education: Education programs of Lincoln Center serving K-12 students through performances, residencies, and curriculum. Comparable as a major performing-arts organization with deep K-12 arts education programming, but at significantly larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bakmsoafoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/bakmsoafoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bakmsoafoundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bak Middle School of the Arts Foundation