Technical Assistance

In the Face of Recession, What Are Arts Funders Doing?

November 19, 2009 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

November 12, 2009 by Steve

Remix: Making Art and Commerce Thrive in the Hybrid Economy
Penguin Press, 2008, 352 pages. ISBN-10: 1594201722

November 12, 2009 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.

Luck of the Draw

November 12, 2009 by Steve

Grantees of foundations have little control over which program officer takes their case. Yet program officers make or break grantees' experiences with foundations. To trigger social change, foundations must give program officers better training, clearer expectations, and regular performance feedback.

Free online from Standford Social innovation Review

November 12, 2009 by Steve

2004, 58 pages, Performing Arts Research Coalition, 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 810, Washington, D.C., 20005

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November 12, 2009 by Steve

This report focuses on two issues: (1) the usefulness of existing arts and culture data for the purposes of developing neighborhood indicators and (2) the ways in which art and culture are understood and valued at the neighborhood level by those who live and work there. Included are a discussion of the reconnaissance efforts, field work, workshops, pilot and case studies conducted; a review of existing arts and culture data collection practices and their usefulness for developing neighborhood indicators; and an analytical framework for identifying indicator types.

November 12, 2009 by Steve

Ralph Smith, the 2007 Conference Chairman, issued a challenge in his welcome message – “that all who attend will leave with renewed energy, capacity and resolve to make a positive contribution toward meeting the challenges of our time.”

Strategic Philanthropy Report

November 12, 2009 by Steve

First Nations Development Institute and Native Americans in Philanthropy convened a group of Native philanthropic leaders in Minneapolis/St. Paul on September 14 2005, to discuss how we can better support the development of Native foundations and Native philanthropy. The objective of this meeting was to provide insight and input into the design and implementation of a structure to support the further development of Native foundations and Native philanthropy through technical assistance, advocacy and research.

Succeeding with Consultants

November 12, 2009 by Steve

Authors Barbara Kibbe and Fred Setterberg explain how the appropriate use of consultants can generate exciting methods of forwarding your organization's goals.

Foundation Trusteeship

November 12, 2009 by Steve

John Nason, drawing on years of experience as a trustee, guides foundation officials and their boards through difficulties and provides insights into critical areas of concern.

The Foundation Center, March 1989, 173 pp.

Available online from The Foundation Center.