Building Trust Through Shared Information, Historical Context, and Honest Dialogue
Transparency Requires Participation
The Fourth Avenue Merchants Association (FAMA) believes that transparency is essential to building lasting trust with our stakeholders.
FAMA is a nonprofit, but it is also a business โ responsible for managing staff, producing events, maintaining public spaces, and navigating complex relationships with the City and other partners. Our ability to provide services depends on strategic planning, long-term reserves, and operational stability.
Financial Snapshot
What Does FAMA Spend and Save?
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Note on Reserves: Our cash reserves are not surplus. They are essential. FAMA doesnโt have a consistent monthly revenue stream like a typical business. Most of our income comes from two seasonal Street Fairs โ but our expenses (like staff salaries, insurance, and maintenance) happen year-round. Without responsible planning, one canceled event could jeopardize our entire operation. We know this because it nearly happened during COVID. Thanks to strong reserves, we survived.
STAFFING & VOLUNTEER VALUE
Who Does the Work?
FAMAโs accomplishments over the last 50 years are the result of a lean staff, dedicated volunteers, and a leadership team that often fills multiple roles without compensation. For example, our longtime President has donated thousands of hours annually, saving the organization well over $100,000 each year in executive salary costs. Staff like our Executive Director wear multiple hats, helping stretch resources to support the entire Avenue.
FAMA also owns its own modest office, which eliminates rent expenses and allows those funds to be reinvested in services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions We Often Hear
Yes. All 501(c)(4) organizations are required to make their 990s publicly available. You can find ours at IRS Nonprofit Search or ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
It supports the entire organization โ from insurance to staffing and event operations. The Fair revenue also subsidizes many of the services that support merchants year-round.
Our small, no-frills office is a cost-saving asset. By not paying rent, FAMA saves tens of thousands of dollars annually, which goes back into staffing and services.
FAMA is not a bank or loan fund. As a nonprofit, our role is to benefit the district as a whole โ not provide individual subsidies. Our mission is focused on community-wide impact, not business-by-business financing.
Every layout change affects someone else. Adjustments often require permits, fire lane redesigns, and city approvals. These are time-consuming and expensive. We listen to concerns, but layout changes must be carefully planned and approved by public safety officials.
Our revenue is seasonal, but our obligations are not. Reserves ensure we can pay bills and staff, even in the event of cancellations or unforeseen emergencies.
FAMA exists because of merchant participation, fairgoer support, and sustained leadership. If you want to understand or influence our work, we invite you to join the conversation. Share your questions, ideas, and constructive feedback. Start by attending meetings, joining committees, and participating in public forums.
HISTORY & CONTEXT
Fourth Avenue Advocacy Since 1974
From launching the Fourth Avenue Street Fair to protecting local merchants during major streetcar construction, FAMA has a 50-year legacy of fighting for this district. Weโve helped merchants recover from floods, survive pandemics, and maintain vital public infrastructure โ even when City policies made that difficult. Our track record speaks for itself.
Weโre proud of that history. And weโre committed to building a better future together.