Author: Taft Corporation

Publication Year: 1976

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Background papers prepared for discussions at national Support the Arts meeting. Publication prepared for the National Endowment for the Arts, Challenge Grant Program, in cooperation with Public Interest Public Relations. During the past several months, the National Council on the Arts has reviewed the management and fund raising [fundraising] programs of hundreds of Challenge Grant applicants across the country. As part of this effort, the Taft Corporation contacted some 173 applicants, interviewing each concerning its plans for fulfilling the guidelines of the Challenge Grant Program.

Abstract:

Background papers prepared for discussions at national Support the Arts meeting. Publication prepared for the National Endowment for the Arts, Challenge Grant Program, in cooperation with Public Interest Public Relations. During the past several months, the National Council on the Arts has reviewed the management and fund raising [fundraising] programs of hundreds of Challenge Grant applicants across the country. As part of this effort, the Taft Corporation contacted some 173 applicants, interviewing each concerning its plans for fulfilling the guidelines of the Challenge Grant Program.

The objective of these interviews was to gain further insights into each organization's management and fund raising capabilities. The focus was on the specific problems and accomplishments of the individual applicant. No statistical analyses of the findings were planned. Sampling was not an issue. No survey-like results were sought. Ten areas of critical need among arts organizations have been tentatively identified. These are:

1. The need for more marketing and communications skills.
2. The need for greater financial management skills.
3. The need for increased capabilities in the area of fund raising research and income projection.
4. The need for increased understanding and utilization of deferred giving development techniques.
5. The need for increased understanding of local funding structures.
6. The need for increased communications and better working relations between boards and administrations of arts organizations.
7. The need for more long-range planning by organizations.
8. The need for program development designed to provide greater financial stability. 
9. The need for more sophisticated, effective volunteer management.
10. The need for better management and planning for increased earned income.
    (Introduction).

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Cultural Districts