If you're serious about succeeding as a nonprofit arts organization, you're going to want to pick up the trilogy by going to scenechangebook.com or your favorite bookstore. Happy new year, folks. I just wanted you to know that the final book in the Scene Change trilogy has been getting fantastic reviews and offers success stories in the midst of this calamitous financial … [Read more...] about “SCENE CHANGE 3” Just Named to Kirkus Reviews’ “25 Best Indies of 2025!”
Nonprofit Management
The 2025, Final, Never-To-Be-Repeated, Carol for Nonprofit Arts Organizations
I know, it’s tradition. Every year about this time, another carol and generally, you don't read it. But this will be the last one ever, so please make it count. Each year, we attempt a rather bad parody of a famous holiday poem or song to run on the Tuesday before US Thanksgiving, the least likely time you’ll read it. Let alone sing it. This year, we destroyed a … [Read more...] about The 2025, Final, Never-To-Be-Repeated, Carol for Nonprofit Arts Organizations
Born in the DSA*: It’s Time To Outlaw Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
If you understand “Time Value of Money,” then you’ll understand just how uncharitable these schemes are — and the users know it. In the second article in the Born in the DSA series, I’d like to introduce you to a business school Econ 101 unit called “Time Value of Money.” In a nutshell, it works like this: In 2025, I have $100. For that $100, I can buy $100 … [Read more...] about Born in the DSA*: It’s Time To Outlaw Donor Advised Funds (DAFs)
Nonprofit Arts Orgs: If Your Only Answer Is ‘Cut,’ You’re Asking the Wrong Question
So, what’s the right question? “See what the company looks like with a $6 million budget.” “Okay, but you know the income will take a beating, too.” “See what the company looks like with a $6 million budget.” These were some of the final words spoken to me by a board member at the then-$12 million Alabama Shakespeare Festival. After a whole bunch of years of … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Orgs: If Your Only Answer Is ‘Cut,’ You’re Asking the Wrong Question
Nonprofit Arts Companies: Beware the Allure of the Headhunter
It’s expensive, lazy, and a process rife with community red flags. But at least there are no money-back guarantees. Let me start by saying that I was headhunted several times for jobs and thought it was a dandy idea. I was egotistical, dumb, and thought that nonprofit arts jobs — even leadership positions — had a shelf life of about three years. I was also experienced, … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Companies: Beware the Allure of the Headhunter