Why disrespect donors with, at best, only a choice to opt-out? Aren’t donors kinda important? One year after a first-time donation, someone gets an unappealing appeal like the one pictured above. It may come as an email, as a letter in an envelope, or as a phone call. But sure as shootin’, it’s a-comin’. And you probably don’t see anything wrong with that, do you? Just … [Read more...] about Why Does Your Nonprofit Arts Organization Engage in the Myth of the Annual Fund?
“But what if IRS code 501(C)(3) included producing and exhibiting arts as a qualified tax-exempt activity?”
A good question. The answer has nothing to do with the obstacle to success. It’s only a symptom. I can see why you’d ask that question. It has been a key point in this column to bring out into the open the fact that Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service’s tax code does not include the production or exhibition of art as a tax-exempt activity. Normally, I … [Read more...] about “But what if IRS code 501(C)(3) included producing and exhibiting arts as a qualified tax-exempt activity?”
Nonprofit Arts Closings: “Duh.”
Mark Taper Forum. Book-It Repertory. Lookingglass Theatre. Dozens of others to come. All because of what? Vision? Vanity? Vainglory? Or just money? It should make you angry, not sad. I will make this as clear as possible, because it seems to be going over the head of too many nonprofit arts leaders. When nonprofit arts organizations close down, suspend productions, or … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Closings: “Duh.”
Warning: The Following Column Was Completely Written by A.I. As Such, It Should Terrify You.
For my nonprofit arts colleagues worldwide who are agonizing over whether they might be replaced, be assured. You likely will. If a nonprofit arts organization does not measure its impact on the community or demonstrate the public benefit it provides, it may raise questions about its effectiveness and adherence to the requirements of being a tax-exempt nonprofit entity. … [Read more...] about Warning: The Following Column Was Completely Written by A.I. As Such, It Should Terrify You.
Reminder: No One Cares About Your Fiscal Year-End Except You
With June 30 just a couple of weeks away, remember why your donors donate to you If you are a nonprofit leader—executive director, board chair, development director, or another concerned citizen—and you saw the image of June 30 and panicked…relax. I mean, you probably won’t hit your financial goals if the money in hand, the pledges that will in fact be paid, or last year’s … [Read more...] about Reminder: No One Cares About Your Fiscal Year-End Except You