July 1 is the start of a new fiscal year for nonprofits. The driving goal for the end of the year is avoiding a deficit. But pressure to avoid a deficit actually dissuades nonprofits from needed investment.
With government, foundation, and corporate funding uncertain in the current government upheaval, economic uncertainty, and culture wars, individual fundraising is where nonprofits should put their efforts. That requires a tight board-staff working relationship. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
Equitable arts funding can help grassroots theatres thrive. As large institutions face cuts, their greater fundraising capacity positions them to adapt—while smaller organizations gain long-overdue access to vital resources.
The arts sector is advocating for equitable funding, shifting support from large institutions to smaller, marginalized organizations. While changes are occurring, concerns remain as total funds may not increase, which will drive change in the arts ecosystem that we need to adjust to.
Arts organizations need to focus on being more important to more people. It’s a financial strategy and a long term sustainability strategy.
On my blog on ArtsJournal.com I published a post imagining what it would mean for the arts to have widespread support so that it inspired thousands – maybe millions – of people to give small donations. Below is a link to the post, and it’s copied below in its entirety. Let me know what you … Continue reading Row X: What if the arts were powered by small donations?
Hannah Grannemann 