The recipient entity's physical address:
           220 East Oak Street
Ponchatoula, LA
70454

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           220 East Oak Street
Ponchatoula, LA
70454

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  1532

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $50,000

What type of request is this?  Both

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Board of Directors:

Dr. Marc Settembrino
18153 Holly Ridge Drive
Hammond, LA 70403

Ashley Gilless
13058 Wadesboro Rd
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Lauren Fannaly
608 S Orange St
Hammond, LA 70403

Matt Barattini
230 W Magnolia St
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

President Trina Haynes
125 N 11th St
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Heather Perrin
541 N 7th
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Secretary - Catherine Yoli
41915 Snowball Circle
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Treasurer - Maggie Madden
12468 Schum Lane
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Vice President - Kim Zabbia
211 N 7th St
Ponchatoula, LA 70454

Executive Director - Leyla Hekmatdoost
73150 Taylor Road
Covington, LA 70435

Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center is seeking critical funding to restore and rebuild our historic 125-year-old building following a devastating fire caused by a lightning strike. Originally constructed as a church and now serving as a vibrant community arts space, the building has long been a place of gathering, creativity, and connection. The fire has left the structure severely compromised, threatening not only the building itself but the cultural and creative opportunities it provides to our community.

The damage is extensive. The entire roof and attic have been destroyed and must be fully rebuilt. All interior walls have sustained significant damage and will need to be replaced. There is also potential structural impact to the flooring, which may require partial or complete reconstruction. In addition, electrical systems, insulation, and other critical infrastructure must be assessed and restored to ensure the building is safe, functional, and up to code.

Funding will directly support the stabilization and reconstruction of the building, including debris removal, structural repairs, and full restoration of the interior and exterior. Our goal is not only to rebuild but to preserve the historic character of the space while ensuring it can continue to safely serve artists, audiences, and the broader community for generations to come.

Twin Steeples is more than a building—it is a creative home. It hosts exhibitions, performances, community events, and provides an accessible space for artists to share their work. The loss of this space has created a significant gap in the local arts landscape. With your support, we can restore this beloved landmark and continue fostering creativity, connection, and cultural enrichment in our region.

Every contribution brings us one step closer to reopening our doors and reclaiming this vital community space.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $0
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $276,000
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center serves as a public-facing cultural hub that provides accessible opportunities for artistic expression, community engagement, and creative collaboration. As a former church repurposed into a gallery and event space, it is open to the public for exhibitions, performances, and community programming.

The space is used to host rotating art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, offering them a platform to share their work with the public. Opening receptions and gallery events are free or low-cost, ensuring broad community access to the arts.

In addition to visual arts programming, Twin Steeples serves as a venue for community gatherings, including workshops, performances, fundraisers, and educational events. These programs foster connection, creativity, and cultural dialogue among diverse audiences.

The center also plays an important role in supporting underrepresented voices, intentionally creating space for artists and communities who may not traditionally have access to gallery representation. Through inclusive programming, Twin Steeples contributes to a more vibrant and equitable local arts ecosystem.

By providing an intimate, welcoming space for both artists and audiences, Twin Steeples strengthens community identity and enhances quality of life through the arts.

What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          Goals and Objectives for Achieving Our Public Purpose

Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center is committed to restoring and strengthening its role as an accessible, community-centered arts space. In response to the fire, our goals focus both on rebuilding the physical structure and expanding our impact as a cultural resource.

Goal 1: Restore and Preserve the Historic Building
Objective 1.1: Secure funding to fully rebuild the roof, attic, and all fire-damaged structural elements.
Objective 1.2: Repair or replace interior walls, flooring, and essential systems (electrical, insulation, etc.) to ensure the building is safe and up to code.
Objective 1.3: Preserve the historic character of the 125-year-old structure while incorporating improvements that support long-term sustainability and accessibility.

Goal 2: Reestablish Twin Steeples as a Public Arts Hub
Objective 2.1: Reopen the gallery to the public with a consistent schedule of exhibitions featuring local and regional artists.
Objective 2.2: Resume hosting free or low-cost events, including opening receptions, performances, and community gatherings.
Objective 2.3: Rebuild partnerships with artists, organizations, and community groups to reactivate programming quickly and effectively.

Goal 3: Expand Access to Arts and Cultural Programming
Objective 3.1: Increase opportunities for underrepresented and emerging artists to exhibit their work.
Objective 3.2: Develop inclusive programming that reflects the diversity of the community and encourages broad participation.
Objective 3.3: Offer workshops, educational events, and collaborative programming that engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Goal 4: Ensure Long-Term Sustainability and Community Impact
Objective 4.1: Strengthen fundraising and donor engagement to support ongoing operations and future resilience.
Objective 4.2: Enhance the facility to better accommodate a variety of uses, including exhibitions, performances, and private events that generate revenue.
Objective 4.3: Establish contingency plans and infrastructure improvements to better protect the building from future damage.

Through these goals and objectives, Twin Steeples will not only recover from this loss but emerge as a stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive creative space for the community.

What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           5 months

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                 

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Leyla Hekmatdoost 
                                       address:  73150 Taylor Road
Covington, LA 70435
                                       phone:  985-773-8601
                                       fax: 
                                       e-mail:  director@twinsteeples.org
                                       relationship to entity:  Executive Director