1. Case for Change Capital in the Arts 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 1

2. National Black Arts Festival. ASO Concert,Photo credit William Herriott.If arts organizations and the sector are to thrive, donors must changetheir funding and financing practices to support strategies that enableexperimentation, build audiences, and cultivate artists.2 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org nonprofitfinancefund.org 3. Case for Change Capitalin the ArtsBuilding Vibrant andViable Cultural OrganizationsBy Rebecca Thomas and Rodney Christopherwith Holly Sidford, Helicon CollaborativeLeading for the Future 4Executive summary and introduction to Nonprofit Finance FundsLeading for the Future (LFF) Initiative A New Approach to Capitalization6 Addressing mis-capitalization in the ArtsCapital is Not Revenue 8Defining change capital and its use inthe LFF Initiative Kinds of Capital10 Defining the many types of capital and how they contribute to organizational viabilityPrinciples of Improved Capitalization12A summary of lessons and guidelines for cultural organizations and funders LFF Works in Progress 16Stories of the 10 organizations participating in the LFF Initiative 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 3 4. Leading for the Future Arts organizations excite and inspire audiences across stronger business models that redress mis-capitalization the country with their creative and dynamic artistic and ensure their artistic relevance and excellence. programs. Through their imaginative and stirring works, these organizations shape community identity, lift the Leading for the Future: Innovative Support for Artistic spirit, connect people and help us make meaning of Excellence, designed and administered by Nonprofit our individual experiences and the times in which we Finance Fund (NFF), is the first national initiative to live. Yet behind the stages, the exhibit halls, the literary address the issue of mis-capitalization by deploying publications and the websites, most nonprofit arts a specific kind of investment capital change capital organizations are in a constant financial struggle. A major to help arts organizations adapt their programming, contributing factor is that the vast majority of them areoperations and finances in ways that improve their mis-capitalized financially structured in ways thatlong-term health. stymie their ability to propel and sustain their aspirations.With support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, If individual arts organizations and the sector are to ten artistically excellent performing arts organizations thrive in the future, donors must change their funding are working with NFF to develop, implement, monitor and and financing practices, aligning money to strategiesadjust plans for achieving this transformation. Each groups and plans that build audience demand, cultivate newplan is tailored to its own circumstances, but all are guided contributors, and adapt out-dated cost structures. by similar principles of capitalization. Two years into this Likewise, cultural nonprofits must take action to establishfive-year initiative, initial results are very promising. 4 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org nonprofitfinancefund.org 5. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Robert Battles The Hunt.Photo by Paul Kolnik. The first part of Case for Change Capital in the Arts shares partners and the arts sector as a whole in an ongoing the philosophy governing the Leading for the Futuredialogue about the associated challenges, opportunities initiative and discusses the broad needs for and uses of and learnings. This article is offered to stimulate further capital in the arts. The second part outlines principles and conversation and encourage funders and arts groups practices that can improve capitalization in the arts butto apply principles of capitalization more consistently, that will require changes in behavior by both nonprofits thereby increasing the financial health and artistic and funders. We conclude by outlining our ten investment vibrancy of organizations that are so important to the partners plans for applying change capital to realize their vitality of our communities. artistic and organizational ambitions. Throughout, we provide definitions for key terms. While conversations about capitalization and the idea of change capital are relatively new to the field, NFF looks forward to engaging our Leading for the FutureChange capital from Leading for the Future has allowedus to take a great leap forward, rather than make incremental change.It now affects everything we do. Sharon Luckman, Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund 5 6. A New Approach to Capitalization To truly cover the full cost of doing business, arts organizations also need flexible funding and an enterprise-wide approach to capitalization that supports long-term liquidity, adaptability, and durability rather than short-term or narrowly defined goals. Mis-Capitalization in the Arts transparency about how cultural organizations are Inappropriate capitalization, or mis-capitalization, ismanaging their resources. often the consequence of misguided practices perpetuated by cultural organizations and their supporters alike. ForAs a result of these practices and others, most cultural example, many arts organizations operate with only organizations lack enough of the right kinds of money at enough unrestricted revenue to cover program and the right times to change, grow, innovate, take risk operating expenses. This is considered acceptable, whenand ultimately contribute to their own artistic health and in fact many organizations have annual expenditures that the vibrancy of tomorrows creative economy. exceed operations alone. Excess cash is often seen asCompounding these issues, the cultural landscape is hoarding, even though savings are usually indicative undergoing tectonic shifts in the ways that audiences of long-term planning and risk management. Buildings experience and respond to art in a fundamentally and endowments are typically the only forms of capital altered economy. In this environment, organizations are associated with long-term stability, yet often these assetschallenged to develop business models that establish or contribute to financial instability, particularly when other affirm the value of their art, align revenue with full costs more liquid forms of capital arent built alongside. and position them to be appropriately capitalized. Other contributors to mis-capitalization include current Consider the case of a theatre company that, despite nonprofit accounting and reporting practices, whichexperiencing steady declines in attendance at its aging conflate capital with revenue. Capital investments facility, continues to receive critical acclaim for its work. The (whether for change or other capital purposes, suchorganization cannot afford to maintain its lobby or house, as facility projects) are typically not segregated frominvest in social media and refresh its programming for young regular operating revenue and, therefore, distortaudiences. Saddled with a depreciated facility, declining the revenue reality by making an organization look profitability and no reserves, the company lacks the cash to healthier than it may be. Such practices diminishbe responsive, innovative and nimble. It is mis-capitalized. Mis-capitalization Capitalization Uneven, inappropriate or inadequate funding and financing. Mis-The funding and financing that allows an organization to achieve its capitalization includes under-capitalization (insufficient amounts mission effectively. Capitalization is revealed on the balance sheet of funding) but goes beyond it. Mis-capitalized organizations have and through the generation of net revenue (i.e., surpluses). limited adaptive capacity, meaning they lack the flexibility to adjust their programming and operations in response to changes in the environment and demand for their work. Adaptive capacity is evidenced by the strength of the balance sheet and the ability to regularly generate revenue in excess of expenses. 6 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 7. Changing the Way We Think surpluses. Funding adaptability and durability, however,Reversing the widespread pattern of mis-capitalizationis far more complex since surpluses, when they exist andrequires both arts organizations and arts donors to shift can be set aside as reserves, are rarely sufficient to dotheir thinking and practices regarding money. the job. Whether the task is to preserve important artisticlegacies or re-tool internal operations to attract and keepCurrent practice tends to apply a compliance mindset to new audiences and donors, cultural organizations oftengrantmaking. Funders are more concerned with How did need periodic infusions of more flexible money to get to ayou spend the money? than with Did you achieve your new level of operating effectiveness. This capital serveslong-term goals? Yet the field would greatly benefit froma different purpose from the typical grant or donation andmovement toward an investment approach to funding and should not be confused with general operating support.financing arts institutions. Arts investors would look atthe kinds and degrees of financial risk and opportunities To advance the capitalization conversation, one necessaryan organization faces in order to fulfill its artistic mission. change and first step is to make clearer distinctionsThey would seek to understand capitalization across between two fundamentally distinct kinds of financialthree distinct levels:resources, each of which serves a different purpose:1 Liquidity: Does the organization have adequate cash 1 Operating revenue: resources received andto meet its operating needs?deployed to sustain day-to-day activity2 Adaptability: Does the organization have flexible 2 Capital: resources deployed for building or changingfunds that allow it to make adjustments as itsthe organizational structure, or platform, from whichcircumstances change? work is produced and presented3 Durability: Does the organization have sufficientresources to address the range of needs that it may Both revenue and capital are necessary, yet currentface in future years? practice and accounting rules tend to ignore the distinction.The result can be both an insufficiency of recurring revenueAddressing liquidity, while quite difficult for manyto cover ongoing costs and insufficient capital to plan fororganizations, requires managing for annual operating and achieve a durable future. 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 7 8. Capital Is Not Revenue Revenueearned contributedflexible sizeable Change Capital Leading for the Future Initiative that inevitably occur while the organization pursues NFFs Leading for the Future Initiative is a new approach the desired change. In some cases, it covers planned to funding arts organizations and is defining both theory temporary operating deficits. and action-oriented principles that will help reset 3 Once the capital is spent, the organization should be financial practices for the field. The program seeks to able to more fully cover its cost with reliable sources of stop the conflation of revenue and capital, and to applyrevenue, until the next period of change. a specific kind of investmentchange capitalto re-balance and more appropriately capitalize a cohort Program Goals of performing arts organizations. The LFF capital The participants in the Initiative Doris Duke Charitable investments are enabling organizations to adapt their Foundation, NFF and ten performing arts organizations programming, operations and finances in ways that are testing and refining this new approach to financing position them to affirm the value of their art, increase andchange in nonprofit arts organizations. The programs align revenue with full costs and re-capitalize in ways goal is to demonstrate a way to improve organizations that enhance liquidity, adaptability and durability.future artistic and financial viability by: Applying capital to change or enhance the ways Change capital, as applied in this Initiative, has several programs are designed and delivered, or to modify defining characteristics:business models 1 The infusion of funds is extraordinary, of limited Linking the application of change capital to increasing duration and not meant to function as regular earned orreliable net revenue (i.e., surpluses) beyond the term contributed revenue. of the investment 2 The capital is flexible; what the organization spends the funds on matters less than what it achieves. The fundsConsider the case of Merce Cunningham Dance are meant to support the errors, risk-taking and re-dos Foundation, which is applying LFF capital to cease Change capitalReliable revenue Represents an investment in an organization to: 1) supportAn estimate of the amounts of earned and contributed revenue improvements in the efficiency or quality of its programs orwith a track record of recurrence (e.g., ticket sales, memberships operations, or 2) support growth, downsizing or other adjustments or tuition income raised consistently over three to five years). to the size and scope of the organization. If successful, change capital enables an organization to better support its costs withIn the case of contributed support, reliable revenue typically reliable, recurring revenue.requires a fully built development capacity with a history of bringing in institutional and individual support year after year. In estimating future reliable revenue, it may be advisable to apply a 8 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.orgnonprofitfinancefund.org 9. Change Capitales financorga nizationapting profor adgra ms episodicityactiv Revenueo ing reliable and repeatableo ngfor operations in a planned fashion, allocate funds for theshift? How will we raise that capital or adjust our plans career transitions of dancers and staff, and archive manyif we cannot? aspects of Merces work for future generations. Another7 How will our organization measure progress and LFF partner, Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, is using capital success during the 3-5 years of change, and at the end to build a virtual presence and an e-constituency by of the process? leveraging the organizations new and archived material8 How will we make adjustments during the change and investing in the marketing and development capacityperiod when things do not go according to plan? to support it.To begin addressing these questions, NFF provided each Over a five year period (2009-2013), all of the LFFLFF participant with a $75,000 grant in 2008 to support a participants are addressing key questions: year of planning, including the development of a detailed 1 What is our organizations artistic ambition?financial and organizational roadmap. Upon approval of 2 What is the business model for supporting that the plan, NFF then awarded each organization up to $1 artistic ambition today? million in change capital, to be used in different ways 3 What business model and capital structure best and on different schedules, according to its plan. NFF has supports our artistry, as it evolves, in 3-5 years?helped the groups refine their plans and provided ongoing 4 To achieve the desired future business model and counsel to participants as they learn from experience and capital structure, what needs to change between nowearly progress against their plans. and then? 5 What investments do we need to make to attract Nearly three years into the program, initial results are recurring revenue that will support our changed cost promising. Some participants are already seeing increases structure after those investments are expended?in revenue, while others are making investments in long- 6 How much change capital is required to achieve the term capacity to attract revenue in the future. discount or take an average of historical performance while making Capital structure a realistic assessment of the environment going forward. For The nature, composition and magnitude of the assets, liabilities example, if an organization has brought in $100-$125K of earnedand net assets comprising the balance sheet. A well-balanced revenue from ticket sales over the past three years and anticipatescapital structure enables cultural organizations to take risk, a tough economic year ahead, a reliable amount may be $80K.innovate, and pursue new opportunities. Business model Here defined as how an organization delivers and supports its activities through a cost structure and revenue strategy that comprises earned and contributed sources. 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 9 10. Kinds of Capital Using the right kinds of capital in the right ways helps nonprofits effectively pursue innovation and experimentation, manage risk, respond to the unexpected, and invest in revenue generating activity. While the Leading for the Future Initiative focuses Working Capital on deploying capital for artistic and organizationalTides an organization over during change, capital can be used in multiple ways to predictable lows in its operating cycle, covering costs until improve and maintain health and vitality over revenue comes in. the long term. All invested capital, regardless of its specific application, should contribute to Risk & Opportunity a more appropriately aligned capital structure. Capital A healthy capital structure is critical to enabling Funds to weather the unexpected arts organizations to pursue innovation and and support experimentation or course corrections. experimentation, manage risk, respond to the unexpected, and make critical investments inChange capital* revenue-generating activity.For growth, downsizing and to change the size and scope of NFF defines capital and its uses in the waysthe organization. described here, while acknowledging that there may be some fluidity between the types. Recovery capital Helps recover from damaging financial shortfalls, reduce debt, These capital funds can be generated in manyor fund much-needed repairs to different ways. Some of the most common include:facilities / equipment. Retained earnings from operating surpluses (i.e.,savings) Facilities & Equipment Capital Periodic campaigns for capital (includingOrganizations can raise funds for specific acquisitions or upgrades, or accumulate reserves to meet future needscampaigns for facilities as well as for change as they arise.capital) and targeted fundraising Judicious use of debt, including internalEndowmentsborrowing, bank or other outside debtRaised capital that is often permanently restricted and generates investment income to support the organization. Investment income can be used as revenue or re-directed towards any of the types of capital described above. *Organizations scaling rapidly may require an enterprise-level infusion of growth capital into a rigorous plan for sustainability. To learn more, visit: nonprofitfinancefund.org/capital-services/ portfolio-performance-report 10 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 11. Kinds of Capital: In DepthIn PracticeWorking capital is used to cover predictable shortfalls inA foundation provides program related investments (PRI), a formoperating revenue, such as a cash need between the expenses of low-interest loans, to a nonprofit in need of temporary cashincurred when developing new work and later revenue from thedue to delays in funding resulting from the economic downturn.works presentation.Or, a nonprofit uses a line of credit, either bank-financed orgenerated through operating surpluses, to cover productionexpenses ahead of the anticipated receipt of ticket income.Risk & Opportunity capital allows organizations to absorb A performing arts presenter that has experienced historicalrisk and pursue opportunities, be they artistic or organizational challenges in recessionary environments budgets and managesin nature. It can be used to help weather unexpected internal orannually for operating surpluses that can be set aside into aenvironmental challenges and to invest in experimentation orboard-designated cash reserve to be spent for unanticipated andcourse corrections. adverse events.Change capital funds improvements in efficiency or qualityTwo dance companies are considering a formal collaborationof program or operations and/or adjustments to the size that would combine their programs in one space. Theand scope of the organization. It is an investment in the planning and implementation periods will span three yearsalignment of an organizations fixed costs to its reliable, and require an infusion of several million dollars, to be spentrecurring revenue. It is spent down as needed with thedown to cover temporary deficits while the partners makeexplicit expectation that it will lead to improved recurringinvestments in joint development and marketing capacitynet revenue (i.e., surplus) to sustain delivery of programs that will generate future net revenue.once the capital is fully spent.Recovery capital helps restore an impaired capital base byAn opera company has a poor year at the box office due toreplenishing depleted working capital and facilities capitala major weather event and posts a sizeable deficit. Futureand by reducing or restructuring debt and other obligations.operating surpluses will not likely be sufficient to pay off itsSome nonprofits require recovery capital before they canvendors. The organization requires a targeted fundraisingeffectively use change capital. campaign for recovery capital.Facilities & Equipment capital represents funds earmarked A theatre renting its performance space launches a $5 millionfor investments in new fixed assets, including such items as: capital campaign and secures $2 million in bank financing toreal estate, costumes and sets, technology and other majorpurchase and build a permanent home. For long term durability,furniture or equipment. The funds may be raised expressly for management incorporates into the campaign fundraising for aspecific acquisitions or upgrades, as well as accumulated infacility reserve to pay for future repairs and replacements andreserve to meet future needs. a risk reserve to cover anticipated early revenue shortfalls/expense overruns in the early days of operating in a larger space.Endowments or Investment reserves typically represent After building its major donor base over many years, a symphonydonated capital that is kept intact (and grown) to generate launches a campaign to raise an unrestricted, but board-investment income. While the corpus of an endowment isdesignated, endowment. The target amount for the board-typically permanently restricted, unrestricted investment designated endowment will yield annual investment income ofreserves (sometimes called board-designated endowments) at least 5% of the symphonys operating budget.can serve the same function while providing leadership withflexible use. NFF encourages nonprofits to prioritize raisingflexible forms of capital since endowments need to be largeto generate adequate annual income and may compete withother fundraising efforts. 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 11 12. Principles of Improved CapitalizationIt is difficult to accept the idea that well-intentioned nonprofit arrives at another pivot point. Capital providersbehavior and traditional assumptions about financial often choose, however, to also provide ongoing subsidybest practices are having negative impacts on theand/or to help attract such donors.health of the sector. Yet many of these behaviors and Change is expensive. Transformative changeassumptions have created untenable situations forrequires a well-conceived plan and sizable amountsarts organizations and the field as a whole. The theoryof change capital that can be used to achieve desiredand practices of NFFs Leading for the Future programartistic and financial goals. The magnitude of a capitalrepresent a first step toward a new and more realistic investment should be tailored to the need, ambition andapproach that is putting arts organizations on a firmermarket conditions of the organization.financial footing. Improving capitalization will require not Change takes time. Change rarely happens in aonly a conceptual shift by arts leaders and funders, but straight line; it involves trial-and-error and responsivenessalso new practices by both.to unfolding internal and external circumstances. A three to five year horizon may be appropriate to implement aWhether you are a nonprofit or funder, the principlesplan for change at the organizational level.below represent a new way of thinking about anddeploying money in the cultural sector. While theyprimarily relate to the use of change capitaldeployedin Leading for the Futuremost are relevant for allkinds of capital.Principles for Nonprofits & Funders Dont confuse revenue with capital. Revenue earned, contributed, restricted or unrestrictedpays for regular programming and operating expenses. Ideally, it should cover full costs, including such items as annual depreciation and debt service. Capitalwhether generated through surpluses, accessed through debt, or provided as a multi-year contributed investmentbuilds liquidity, adaptive capacity and/or durability. General operating support is revenue, not capital. Capital is episodic; revenue is forever. Nonprofits require both revenue and capital to survive and thrive. Most organizations rely on contributed revenue to cover the annual gap between what they spend and what they can charge to audiences and other consumers. Funders and donors subsidizeyear in and year outthe finances of organizations they value. Providers of capital (builders) understand that their support is periodic in nature. Once the capital is invested, no further infusion should be required until theSteppenwolf Theatre Company. punkplay by Pavement12 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org Group. Credit Peter Coombs. 13. Temporary deficits are common en route to anPrinciples for Fundersimproved business model and balance sheet.Organizations incur new and one-time expenses as they Consider pooling resources. Given the sizeinvest in the capacities, programs and infrastructure and duration of investment required, funders mayappropriate to their desired change strategy. Changebenefit from working collaboratively to ensurecapital can cover deficits incurred by a nonprofit untilorganizations obtain the amounts of capital neededthe point when its operations and activities can fullyto support their plans. Funders can choose to obtainsupport themselves with reliable revenue. Success third-party expertise in structuring and monitoringrequires nonprofits to manage resources and makesuch investments.adjustments to ensure they achieve financial health and Support planning. A smart strategy, backedartistic vibrancy with the capital funds available. up by a rigorous financial roadmap with artistic,operational and financial progress indicators, is acritical precondition to undertaking change. Considerproviding a planning grant or other consultativesupport. Then give organizations the time to do theirplanning and strategy work. Invest in financial readiness for change.In certain situations, financially challenged artsorganizations may require recovery capital (see pp.10 and 11) as a first investment. This enables theorganization to rebuild their working capital, repaytheir obligations and undertake change from a strongerfinancial position. Focus on achievement of results, not line-item spending. Organizations are likely to shift theirspending priorities as they implement plans for changeand learn from successes and failures. While plans forchange may involve specific activities and projects, itis essential that investors consider the impact of theseactivities on the overall organization. Investors can andshould assess continued progress toward a businessmodel that is more fully sustained by regular revenueand that achieves the desired artistic impact. Permit deficits en route to change; embracesurpluses thereafter. Funders and trustees canpromote these healthier approaches to financing bynot penalizing organizations that show planned deficits(covered by capital) on their way to transformingtheir business models. Similarly, funders shouldnot penalize organizations that achieve operatingsurpluses before or after that change. 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 13 14. Principles of Improved CapitalizationPrinciples for Nonprofits below the line of regular revenue and expenses, isone way of making capital investments visible and Achieve alignment of costs to reliable revenue.preventing these special infusions from being confused The most important straightforward way to addresswith income that supports ongoing operations. mis-capitalization is to implement strategies that Consider all options. If an organizations earnest increase the ratio of reliable recurring revenue toefforts to re-align its cost structure to its revenue costs, particularly the revenue that covers fixed costs. capabilities do not succeed, leadership has a For most, achieving such results requires making responsibility to consider whether the organizations adjustments to the business model to ensure regularwork is valued by its supporters and audience, and profitability. Such changes can include: adaptations whether a graceful exit may be appropriate. to or elimination of programs, reduction in costs for operations, improved pricing models, new partnershipsNFF believes understanding the concepts and terminology or new capacity in marketing, fundraising, and underlying improved capitalization can lead to greater technology. Organizations can and do make thesecandor between arts groups and funders about what kinds adjustments without infusions of change capital, but of financial investments are required to support excellence they tend to be incremental and are often insufficient.and the inevitable needs for change. These associated Prepare for change. When it comes to change, the principles, when practiced by nonprofits and funders, planning process is as important as the implementation create the potential for improved artistic and organizational phase. Planning will require devoted funds and a adaptability that will benefit arts organizations, artists, meaningful time commitment from staff (including bothaudiences and communities across the country. artistic and management staff) and the board. Develop a financial road-map and monitor progress. Achieving the transformation of a business model requires arts leaders to rigorously plan and monitor organizational progress and make course corrections based on thoughtfully defined metrics, Performance Metrics or indicators, of success. A critical tool in managing Measurements of progress or indicators of success. They can this process is careful and realistic annual projections reveal economic performance, such as how and why revenue or of revenue, expense and capital. These projections,expenses rise or fall; or program and operational achievements,such as changes in the size and composition of audiences. when coupled with annual performance metrics willExamples of financial metrics might include number of tickets reveal progress (or lack thereof) toward goals. Financialsold, average ticket price, and number of major donors. Non- projections and metrics push an organization and its financial benchmarks might include email addresses captured, key stakeholders to describe the desired transformationfacebook friends, website hits, etc. Organizations set targets,also known as benchmarks, for each defined metric. For a given clearly, enable the organization to see whether it isyear, $200K in ticket sales, 5,000 friends, or $100K in gifts from getting closer to its goal each year, and inform coursemajor donors might be examples of benchmarks. changes where necessary. Separate capital in financial reporting. Capital NFFs Capital Reporting TechniqueA financial management tool for ensuring the segregation of regular should be kept separate from ongoing revenue inrevenue from change capital in projections, managerial reporting budgets and internal financial reports, at least asand the preparation of financial audits. Using this tool helps prevent a management tool. Using a capital reporting organizations from confusing the two kinds of money and improves technique that treats capital as a separate line item, the ability of organizations and their investors to see the impact ofchange capital on current and prospective recurring revenue.14 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 15. Its unusual to have a grantmaker that says that thesuccess of the project is not what theyre lookingfor. This program invests in our whole organization,and gives us the flexibility to experiment andtry new things on our way to greaterfinancial and artistic health.Connie Chin, General Manager,Jacobs Pillow Dance FestivalMark Morris Dance Group. Photo by Sharen Bradford; courtesy of Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival. 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund 15 16. Each of the participants in the Leading for theruns; using new media and electronic communications toolsLFF Works in Progress Future Initiative is creatively using change to connect with young audiences; and altering pricing andcapital to advance its artistic, organizationalmarketing approaches as well as front-of-house interactionsand financial goals. Here we share the with theater-goers. For more about Center Theatre Group,highlights of each organizations plan and early see www.centertheatregroup.orgprogress to date. Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival Lee, MA Jacobs Pillow Dance Festivals LFF initiative is creatingAlvin Ailey Dance Foundation New York, NY Virtual Pillow, a dynamic parallel universe to the PillowsAlvin Ailey Dance Foundation is using LFF capital to live offerings that will attract new audiences for dance, andtransform its use of technology in engaging and retaining extend the Festivals on-site offerings in multiple dimensions.patrons. Ailey has undertaken an institution-wide re-thinking The Pillow is also investing LFF capital to build a betterof ways to serve audiences and forge new connections engine by strengthening its fundraising and developmentamong several of the core businesses of the organization:capacity. Both strategies are intended to broaden the Pillowsits two companies, school, boutique, and development base of constituents, increase reliable recurring revenueoperation. Key components of Aileys LFF initiative includeand advance the Pillows leadership as one of the nationsestablishing a clear set of measurable objectives; creatingmost inventive and forward-thinking dance presenters. Keya customized central database that supports fundraising, components of the Pillows LFF initiative include a re-designedticketing, education programs and other patron services; and more interactive website, expanded use of materials fromlaunching a new, interactive website that encourages cross-the Pillows archive to engage audiences online, social mediaprogram patronage; and using analytic tools to track website strategies with younger audiences, and new approaches tousers and incremental revenue metrics. For more about Alvinfundraising online and off. For more about Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, see www.jacobspillow.orgAiley Dance Foundation, see www.alvinailey.org Cunningham Dance Foundation New York, NYCenter Theatre Group Los Angeles, CA LFF is investing in The Legacy Plan, the CunninghamCenter Theatre Group is focusing its LFF capital on Dance Foundations innovative plan for celebrating theexperiments in programming and audience engagement at extraordinary creative work of Merce Cunningham andthe Kirk Douglas Theatre, one of its three houses. Its goal the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and appropriatelyis to change the financial model for that theater, and mine closing its operations in the wake of Cunninghams death.lessons from this experience that will assist the organization CDF is using LFF capital to support comprehensive planningoverall. Recognizing that the demographics and expectations and fundraising for this huge undertaking; implement aof audiences for theater in Los Angeles are shifting, CTG is final international tour; document Cunninghams seminaltesting and refining new approaches to boost participation works in digital dance capsules; provide appropriateat the Douglas, particularly by young adults and audiences transition support for Company dancers; and transferthat want more contemporary, riskier theater options. If materials and resources to the Merce Cunningham Trustsuccessful, these strategies will generate more reliable so that his works will remain accessible to choreographersrecurring revenue for the Kirk Douglas and may suggest new and other artists, presenters and scholars. For more aboutapproaches for CTGs larger theaters Mark Taper Forum Cunningham Dance Foundation, see www.merce.organd Ahmanson Theatre. At the Douglas, CTG is testing anumber of techniques: more flexible scheduling; varyingboth the planning horizon for shows and the length of theirMisnomer Dance Theater New York, NY Misnomer is a contemporary dance company seeking to establish a new business model to support its artistic and organizational growth. Misnomers LFF strategy has three components: 1) developing and launching the Audience16 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.orgnonprofitfinancefund.org 17. Engagement Platform (AEP), an innovative online platform that SITI Company New York, NYwill help performing arts organizations attract and interactAfter 20 years as a peripatetic company, SITI is using itswith diverse audiences and patrons; 2) expanding its artistic LFF capital to re-balance its core artistic and educationalpartnerships with corporations and alternative sponsors as afunctions and establish a strong artistic presence in Newmeans of reaching nontraditional audiences and expandingYork City. While continuing to partner with presenters aroundrevenue; and 3) strengthening the organizations capacity the world on developing and presenting new theater works,to support new artistic productions. Through these means, SITI will showcase more regularly in New York. The companyMisnomer intends to generate reliable recurring revenue and will also expand its internationally recognized Suzuki andfashion an innovative approach to managing and growing aViewpoints-based artist training programs in New York Citydance company. For more about Misnomer Dance Theater, see and elsewhere. And it will use LFF funds to boost its internalwww.misnomer.orgcapacity to both support new work development and generatemore predictable earned and contributed revenue. For moreNational Black Arts Festival Atlanta, GAabout SITI Company, see www.siti.orgNBAF is using its LFF funds to develop its online platformin ways that will attract more audiences, donors andSteppenwolf Theatre Company Chicago, ILprogramming partners. Key to NBAFs effort is using state Steppenwolf Theatre is using its LFF funds to transform theof the art electronic media to enhance all functions of way it attracts, engages and retains young adult audiences.the organization, including commissioning and presentingThe company is using a combination of strategies, includingwork, education programs for audiences of all ages, sophisticated market research, innovative collaborationspreservation of the arts of the African diaspora, and with small local theater companies and young theateraudience engagement as well as administrative and artists, partnerships with area universities, and new usesfinancial operations. NBAF.org is being built as the portal of social media. These strategies will help the companyfor global access to the festivals diverse programs anddetermine the kinds of theater that attracts people in theirservices and its substantial archive and network of artistic20s and early 30s, the messaging and marketing techniquespartners. It will also serve as an interactive vehicle that that are effective, and the long-term impacts of engagingwill increase involvement in both artistic work and the lifeyoung adults on the theaters overall artistic program. Thisof the organization by audiences of all kinds children, multi-dimensional effort is stimulating new kinds of internaladults, educators, scholars, artists and other presenting collaboration as well as fresh approaches to working withorganizations as well as donors and patrons. For more external partners. For more about Steppenwolf Theatreabout National Black Arts Festival, see www.nbaf.orgCompany, see www.steppenwolf.orgPing Chong/Fiji Company New York, NYThe Wooster Group New York, NYPing Chong & Company is investing its LFF capital inThe Wooster Group is applying LFF capital to three inter-generating reliable recurring revenue by expanding itsrelated initiatives that will increase earned income whilecommunity-based theater program, Undesirable Elements strengthening the companys ability to create and present(UE). The company has refined the UE program model as a new work and share its unique creative process withstrategy to engage diverse community and school-basedaudiences around the world. TWG is developing an extendedaudiences in exploring controversial and uncomfortableannual residency at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in Newtopics and to build cross-cultural understanding andYork; cultivating long-term relationships with strategictolerance. The company is expanding the number ofpresenting partners outside New York; and digitizing andannual UE projects, diversifying its collaborative partners,and developing a UE training program. These strategiesdistributing archival materials for use by educationalwill generate new financial support, and provide newinstitutions, scholars, theater artists and others. Metricsopportunities to work with more artists and communities.of success for all three components are being tracked, andStrengthening this program will also give Ping Chong more results are being used to modify the strategies as theyfreedom to explore his larger theater and inter-disciplinarydevelop. For more about The Wooster Group, see www.projects. For more information about Ping Chong/Fijithewoostergroup.orgCompany, see www.pingchong.org 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 17 18. About Doris Duke Charitable Foundation About Nonprofit Finance FundThe mission of the Doris Duke Charitable FoundationAs one of the nations leading community development(DDCF) is to improve the quality of peoples lives through financial institutions (CDFI), NFF makes millions of dollarsgrants supporting the performing arts, environmental in loans to nonprofits and pushes for improvement inconservation, medical research and the prevention of child how money is given and used in the sector. Since 1980,abuse, and preservation of the cultural and environmentalweve worked to connect money to mission effectively, solegacy of Doris Dukes properties. Learn more at ddcf.org. nonprofits can keep doing what they do so well. We provide a continuum of financing, consulting, andAbout NFFs Leading for the Future Initiativeadvocacy services to nonprofits and funders nationwide.Funded by DDCF, Leading for the Future is a pilot initiative Our services are designed to help great organizations staydesigned to help 10 outstanding arts organizations takein balance, so that theyre able to successfully adapt totransformative rather than incremental steps to remain changing financial circumstances, and grow and innovateartistically relevant, effective and excellent while buildingwhen theyre ready. In addition to providing loans and linesand sustaining long-term financial viability.of credit, we organize financial training workshops, perform business analyses, and offer customized services. For funders, we provide support with structuring of philanthropic capital and program-related investments, manage capital for guided investment in programs, and provide advice and research to help maximize the impact of grants.18 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 19. 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org 19 20. Join usnonprofitfinancefund.orgnonprofitfinancefund.org/blogtwitter.com/nff_newsfacebook.com/nonprofitfinancefundNew York Region andNational Headquarters70 West 36th St., 11th FloorNew York, NY 10018212 868 6710NY@nffusa.orgNew England89 South St., Suite 402Boston, MA 02111617 204 9772NE@nffusa.orgNew Jersey59 Lincoln Park, Suite 350Newark, NJ 07102973 642 2500NJ@nffusa.orgGreater Philadelphia1608 Walnut St., Suite 703Philadelphia, PA 19103215 546 9426Philadelphia@nffusa.orgDC-MD-VA2100 M St. NW, Suite 170-329Washington, DC 20037-1233202 778 1192DC@nffusa.orgSan Francisco28 Second St., Suite 600San Francisco, CA 94105415 255 4849SF@nffusa.orgLos Angeles626 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 510Los Angeles, CA 90017213 623 7001LA@nffusa.orgDetroit645 Griswold St., Suite 2202Detroit, MI 48226313 965 9145 Cover photo: Cunningam Dance Foundation. Merce Cunningham,Detroit@nffusa.org photo by Jack Mitchell, 1975.20 2011, Nonprofit Finance Fund nonprofitfinancefund.org