This article outlines the reasons for seeking strategic partnerships, the types of collaborations that might be reasonable options, and the systematic approach that cultural organizations could undertake when considering whether a strategic partnership is right for them. These options range from the most straightforward collaboration involving no structural changes, all the way to a formal merger with several organizational partnership models in between.

The best marketers in the nonprofit arts world can’t make people buy tickets to something they don’t want to see, says author Alan Harrison in this article. "Chasing dollars for that uber-intellectual vanity piece that has nothing to do with the community (no matter how “important” it is to your artists) never works."

Volunteers are an essential resource for a community theatre. For many organizations, a steady supply of individuals willing to give their most valuable resource—time—is critical for basic operations. Volunteers are also among the most loyal donors, so don't overlook them as prospects for gifts or bequests. 

The Role of Volunteering in Philanthropy is a report that illustrates how donors support charitable causes with both their time and money—and how the COVID-19 crisis has changed how volunteers are able to serve.
 

In the dynamic world of fundraising, the ability to align donor motivations with effective messaging is paramount to building strong, lasting relationships and securing essential support for nonprofit organizations. By understanding what drives donors to give and crafting messages that resonate with their values and interests, organizations can create a powerful synergy that enhances engagement and fosters long-term commitment.

If your theatre is one of the lucky ones, there will come a time—sooner than you think—when an “anniversary” will arrive. Whether it’s 25, 50, 75, or 100 years or beyond, moments like these in your theatre’s history will warrant public acknowledgement and celebration.

This article, by Katrina Ploof, offers some ideas on how to celebrate with your volunteers, audience, and alumni--and kick-start long-range fundraising. 

For those who love them, the arts are not frivolous. They’re not extras or nice-to-have. They’re what gives life depth and meaning. They’re how people come together—to wrestle with big questions, to understand the human condition, to expand their worldview.

To be effective as a fundraiser in the arts, you need to connect to your own love. Understand your art form. Wear your passion on your sleeve.

Grant writing is a crucial skill for theatre professionals seeking funding for their projects. Securing grants can provide the financial resources necessary to bring creative visions to life and sustain the vibrant world of theatre. However, the process of grant writing can be daunting, with intense competition and stringent requirements.  This article takes you through the process, step by step.

Selecting the appropriate space in which to present your productions is akin to picking out a personal residence; it is your business home.

There are three possible roads down which you may travel. All are valid, depending on your intentions and resources. These possibilities are

1. Show-by-show rental
2. Long-term lease
3. Purchasing your own space

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which this article explains. It also explains the legal components of each in detail

The choice of whether to organize as a nonprofit depends on what you want to accomplish and what sources you expect to tap for your funding. A for-profit theatrical entity aims to return a commercial gain to its shareholders or investors ("angels"). A nonprofit does not. For a theater company, a nonprofit status is just a different way of doing business.

To be recognized as tax exempt by the IRS is a wonderful benefit for most theater companies. It opens up a lot of economic benefits that are not available to commercial theater entities.

Every nonprofit is made of countless stories—the story of your organization’s founding, the moment a volunteer fell in love with your work, the day you changed a beneficiary’s life, and so many more. Compelling stories are all around you, and you can harness them as powerful tools for marketing and raising more for your mission. All you have to do is tell them effectively.