Your chief responsibility when serving vulnerable populations is creating a safe environment where your clients can thrive. Unfortunately, abuse and molestation incidents are a harsh reality, especially in the nonprofit, education, youth sports and healthcare sectors. Such claims can damage reputations and cause devastating financial losses, even when unsubstantiated.

Strategic statements and lists don’t mean much on their own. Like any important tool, the value doesn’t come simply by having them, but from how they’re used and embodied by your theatre’s brand. The tools in this article explalin how to create statements of purpose, mission, values, and more, providing the guardrails to keep your theatre company on a consistent path in the larger, big-picture sense, as well as in terms of day-to-day decision-making. 

Strategic Planning in Nonprofits (SPiN), a step-by-step guide to achieve your mission, is a project of Nonprofit Association of Washington, the state association that makes sure nonprofits have what they need to succeed. SPiN was funded by the Satterberg Foundation, and seeks to expand the capacity of nonprofits to achieve their mission. SPiN was designed to give you the knowledge and tools your organization needs to plan so that you can better achieve your mission.

This report from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) distills and analyzes key themes from 12 listening sessions led by the National Endowment for the Arts in the spring and summer of 2024. The sessions included a wide range of U.S. nonprofit theater field representatives and explored contemporary challenges and innovations within the sector. December 2024

Establishing good fiscal policies and procedures is more of an investment of time and attention than money. Very small nonprofits or even all-volunteer groups can commit to the conversations and documentation needed to establish sound financial policies.
Specific policies and procedures vary widely depending on the organization’s budget size, staffing, and business model. There is no “one size fits all” template that will work for all organizations. 

Occasionally, a play may require the use of material created and owned by persons or entities other than the playwright. This material --including music or trademarked props--may be under copyright or protected by trademark. In such cases, the producer must obtain permission from its owner before using it. This article, by entertainment lawyer and playwright Charles Grippo, explores and explains how to navigate the legal issues.

The first 90 days in any new role are critical, as they can set the foundation for either success or failure — particularly for those who face high expectations in artistic vision, business model revitalization, or revenue generation. Whether stepping into a leadership position for the first time, moving into a role with greater responsibilities, or making a lateral move into a new industry, this three-month period is essential for building credibility and trust.

Arts and culture organizations increasingly look towards large-scale fundraising campaigns to achieve their visions while stabilizing their financial models.  So, how does an arts and culture organization know it is ready for such a major undertaking? This article explores how board and senior management leaders can objectively determine if this is the right time for their organization to launch a large-scale fundraising campaign. It also examines the steps in the preparation and planning phases that are key to a successful campaign.
 

In the ever-evolving landscape of the arts and culture sector, strategic planning is not merely a beneficial exercise but an essential framework for organizations striving for sustainability, relevance, and growth.

Since rights, royalties and contracts are legal issues, it's important to understand the terminology that explains and governs your options. As with most contractual matters, ignorance is no defense, so here's an annotated list of important terms you need to know.