General Operating Support

by Steve

The current economic climate has forced many nonprofit arts organizations to confront underlying issues. Tensions mount, dollars are scarce, and unresolved weaknesses or fissures often grow. We have seen heartening examples of artists, donors, audiences, and funders rallying to support the art and organizations that they love. In some cases, streamlined, more focused organizations are forging ahead with renewed determination. But in other cases, the economic downturn may herald the time to close the doors.

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by Steve
As funders we have three main challenges: first, getting a handle on the extent and impact of the recession; second, exerting leadership — being bold, positive, and opportunistic without being insensitive; and third — and most important — asking ourselves the same tough questions that we are asking grantees: how do we slip the vice-like grip of old mindsets and behaviors and adapt so we increase our relevance, resilience, and meaningful contributions to our community?
  — Foundation President
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by Steve

In late January GIA polled its 309 member organizations about their organization's responses to the economic downturn. 117 (38%) members responded, which provides a healthy sample of the membership.

Members reported their expected 2009 arts grantmaking would likely compare to 2008 as follows:

  • 41% expected that 2009 would be the same as 2008.
  • 13% expected that it would be reduced to 90% of 2008.
  • 12% expected that it would be reduced to 80% of 2008.
  • 11% expected that it would be reduced to 70% of 2008.
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by Steve

In a broad, historic shift, and under a variety of names - like cause marketing or strategic philanthropy - large corporations are changing the way they view their charitable donations. Most appear to want a closer alignment with their business objectives

Available free online from the Stanford Social Innovation Review

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   Philanthropy, Inc.
(857Kb)

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by Steve

This brief is the first of two that summarize results from detailed case studies of the financial management of nine nonprofit organizations. It focuses on the relationship between spending on administration and fundraising and the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in carrying out their missions. Smaller organizations tended to invest less in organizational infrastructure, resulting in conditions that compromised their effectiveness.

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by Steve

This article takes a look at strategic or effective philanthropy—funding which actively seeks to efficiently achieve a donor's goals—and assesses some ways in which strategic philanthropy is structured.

Free online from the Stanford Social Innovation Review

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   Smart Money (3.35Mb)

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by giarts-ts-admin

2007, 29 pages. Creative Trust, 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 129, Toronto, ON, M5T 2C7, (416) 506-9047, www.creativetrust.ca

http://www.creativetrust.ca/download/CT_Evaluation_Report_Year3.pdf

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by giarts-ts-admin

2008, 271 pages. The Aspen Institute, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 700, Washington, D.C., 20036, (202) 736-5800, www.aspeninstitute.org

This book is a comprehensive analysis of the results of the Strengthening Nonprofit Advocacy Project, a joint research effort of OMB Watch, Tufts University, and the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest. It calls on foundations to create initiatives for advocacy activities, increase their use of general operating grants and remove language restricting lobbying from grant letters.

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by giarts-ts-admin

2005, 11 pages. TCC Group, 31 West 27th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001, (212) 949-0990

http://www.tccgrp.com/pdfs/per_brief_impact.pdf

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by giarts-ts-admin

2008, 23 pages. TCC Group, 31 West 27th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001, (212) 949-0990

http://www.tccgrp.com/pdfs/MaximizingFoundationEffectiveness.pdf

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