Write, speak out, enact your own scene change. That would be the best birthday present ever. Question everything, including what seems to be obvious. The nonprofit arts sector is evolving, ever so slowly, into a new paradigm in which charitable acts measure success. Scrape off the old “sell the most tickets” barnacles; they’ll only hinder progress. Remember what … [Read more...] about It’s Your Turn Now.
Mission Statement
Just a Reminder — June 30 Is Only Meaningful to You
Also: clearing the decks for an important announcement in August It’s the end of May, which means that too many nonprofit arts organizations are beginning their annual “end of fiscal year” push for additional donations. There’s a lot on the line for these charities to meet their financial revenue goals and stuffing as much asking as you can into that final month might … [Read more...] about Just a Reminder — June 30 Is Only Meaningful to You
Nonprofit Arts Success in a Changing Environment, Tip 1: Stop Terrorizing Your People
The first tip: for a nonprofit organization to work, everyone has to care about why they’re there; otherwise, there’s no need for them to stay. Over the next few years, your nonprofit arts organization will be tasked with trying to succeed in a local and national environment not terribly interested in your work. Certainly not your art. It is with that in mind that we … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Success in a Changing Environment, Tip 1: Stop Terrorizing Your People
Last of the Summer Whine
The seven attributes of a successful nonprofit arts organization. You gotta do all seven to win. Before I take off for a month, I thought I’d let you in on the secret to success for nonprofit arts organizations. Note how “raising money” is not among the things on the list. That’s a business practice, not an attribute of success. Of course you’ll have to raise money! That … [Read more...] about Last of the Summer Whine
Mission Grammar for Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Flick the Prepositions and Cut the Nonsense
Your community requires “Why,” not “How” – and the slogans have got to go Let’s make this short and impactful. Well, impactful anyway. Get the prepositions, whether they’re attached to a phrase or not, out of your mission statement. And the slogans, too. Not only are they unnecessary, but more than that, these words set up your nonprofit arts organization for … [Read more...] about Mission Grammar for Nonprofit Arts Organizations: Flick the Prepositions and Cut the Nonsense