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Monica's Blog

Strategies for Philanthropic Organizations to Address Workplace Diversity
Posted on by Monica

By Vikki N. Spruill and Diana Campoamor, writing for Nonprofit Quarterly:

In philanthropy, creating a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of backgrounds and experiences of the communities we strive to serve builds public trust in our field, helping to counter skepticism about philanthropy’s value. … Yet the latest data from the Council on Foundations Grantmakers’ Salary and Benefits research confirm that the rate of underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities and, to a certain extent, women in leadership roles, in our field has not significantly improved over the past five years.
Neal Cuthbert of The McKnight Foundation to Retire this Year
Posted on by Monica

In an email sent to colleagues this morning, The McKnight Foundation president Kate Wolford announced that Neal Cuthbert will retire from his position as vice president of program at the end of the year. Cuthbert served on the board of Grantmakers in the Arts from 1999 to 2003. The following letter is republished here with permission from The McKnight Foundation.

LA County Arts Commission Publishes Literature Review on Cultural Equity in the Arts
Posted on by Monica

As part of their Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative, the LA County Arts Commission has released a literature review on cultural equity and inclusion in the arts. The literature review investigates how various organizations across the United States address diversity in the following areas:

  • Boards of Directors in Arts and Culture Organizations
  • The Arts and Culture Workforce
  • Audiences and Programming
  • Culturally Specific Arts Organizations
Mike Kelley Foundation Announces Inaugural Artist Project Grant Recipients
Posted on by Monica

Mike Kelley Foundation has announced the recipients of its first formal funding initiative, called the Artist Project Grant. The foundation has awarded a total of $310,000 to nine nonprofits is Los Angeles.

According to the Los Angeles Times, “the grants are meant to support artists who are creating cutting edge projects, particularly work that’s been overlooked or that has seen logistical or funding challenges.”

Sarah Lutman Interviews Jerome Foundation President Ben Cameron
Posted on by Monica

By Sarah Lutman, writing for Twin Cities Business:

Ben Cameron became president of the St. Paul-based Jerome Foundation in January. He previously led Target’s giving in the arts and most recently worked in New York for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, one of the nation’s largest arts funders. ... [Twin Cities Business] spoke to Cameron recently to learn about the Jerome Foundation’s vision for arts funding.
Washington Regional Assn. of Grantmakers Shares Resources from Racial Equity Learning Series
Posted on by Monica

Resources from Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers' Putting Racism on the Table learning series are available online. The series is a monthly convening of philanthropic CEOs and trustees to explore key elements of racism. Video from the first convening of the series, a presentation on structural racism by john a. powell, is available along with a discussion guide and other resources for grantmakers.

What Does It Mean for Artists to Sustain a Career in the Gig Economy?
Posted on by Monica

In his post on Creativz.us, Steven J. Tepper offers four pieces of advice for institutions to better support artists in the gig economy:

To support artists and creative workers in the future, we must reinvent and repurpose our arts infrastructure, tap into new revenue streams and train and prepare artists to be enterprising, deploying their creative talents across multiple roles and sectors.
Levitt Pavilions Sunsets, Combines National Programs Under Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation
Posted on by Monica

From Levitt Pavillions:

Beginning [April 2016], the work of the national nonprofit, Levitt Pavilions, will be carried out by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, furthering its mission to strengthen communities across the country through free, live music. As part of the transition, the Levitt Foundation has unveiled a new logo reflecting its core values to support creative placemaking projects that are catalytic, dynamic and promote joy, inclusivity and connectedness.
Getty Foundation Funds Pacific Standard Time with Nearly $14 Million in Grants
Posted on by Monica

The Getty Foundation has awarded nearly $14 million in grants to support their second edition of Pacific Standard Time, a regional collaborative effort of 46 art exhibitions and events from San Diego to Santa Barbara opening in 2017. Pacific Standard Time: LA/LA will explore art of the Latin American diaspora.

Canada Increases Arts Funding $1.9B in New Federal Budget
Posted on by Monica

By Sandra Abma, writing for CBC News:

[Canada's] biggest arts and cultural institutions, including the CBC, are getting a cash infusion over the next five years. Local arts organizations will also see a financial boost to aid in construction of cultural spaces and repairs to existing facilities. The Canada Council, which provides funding to artists and cultural projects across the country, will see its annual budget of $182 million nearly doubled within five years, although it will see only $40 million extra this coming year.