$1 million of government funding rescinded? Big deal. When your nonprofit arts organization chooses to do the right thing, it’s an equation that works. If you cast your mind back, I’m sure you’ll remember this column from May 7, 2024: Nonprofit Arts Success: Out of Hand Theater Shakes the Trees of Social Justice. After all, it was only just under 500 days ago and not … [Read more...] about Out of Hand Theater is the Best Theater in America
Executive Director
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)
“A PUNCHY, OUTSPOKEN ARGUMENT FOR HOW NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE RUN.”
Pick up a copy of the Scene Change trilogy. Scene Change 3 just received its first review, and it's a doozy. You're going to want at least one for you and one for your board chair. An example-driven new map to success in the realm of nonprofit theater. “What good is a program without results that show impact?” asks theatrical director and producer Harrison, a 30-year … [Read more...] about “A PUNCHY, OUTSPOKEN ARGUMENT FOR HOW NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE RUN.”
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