Janet Cohen Consulting, LLC

Archive for the ‘Arts Organizations’ Category

Show Me the Money!!!

July 16th, 2011 |

Author: JanetCohen

Who Gives?

Every year, a comprehensive study of charitable giving is published by the Giving USA Foundation in a book called Giving USA. This is a very useful tool for anyone raising funds or giving to nonprofit organizations, and I highly recommend it.

The book and report provide analysis and trends in giving over time, and is often considered the annual report on philanthropy.

You can download the Executive Summary of the report at www.givingusa.org, or consider investing in the book.

In 2010, $290.89 billion dollars were donated; of that, only 19% came from corporate and foundation grants. That is still a lot of money, but what about the 81% that comes from individuals? Healthy organizations draw income from several sources, and individual giving is critical to a well-rounded development plan.

Often my clients are directed by board members to “go get grants” before a true assessment of their financial development plan is addressed. A healthy organization has a blend of revenue streams. Grants may be part of that, but an organization should rarely be funded primarily by grants.

For more information on strategic development planning and expanding individual giving programs, join my mailing list, subscribe to my news feed, or contact me directly.

Posted in Arts Organizations, Development, Giving, Local Nonprofits, Nonprofit News, Philanthropy, Prioritizing

Nonprofit belt-tightening strategy

June 24th, 2011 |

Author: JanetCohen

Everybody is doing more with less these days. So am I.

Theater Stage

Nonprofit organizations are tightening their belts and revising strategies that were previously successful. But in the case of the New York Ballet, some of their most loyal donors are seeing red. And I’m not simply referring to the lighting onstage.

Read the related story in the New York Times and share what you think of this strategy.

Posted in Arts Organizations, Local Nonprofits, Nonprofit News, Philanthropy, Uncategorized