Hebrew SeniorLife’s Post

Don't be an Askhole! This article is a great reminder for those of us in the arts sector, no matter which side of the Ask we're on. https://lnkd.in/gUMRMakc #performingarts #artsmanagement #equitablebusiness

By investing in the arts, we’re not just enriching individuals' lives, we’re shaping a future. Did you know that students from low-income families who engage in the arts at school are twice as likely to participate in voluntary work and 20% more likely to vote as young adults? At Create Charity, we’ve seen first hand how arts education nurtures a sense of community, empathy, and civic responsibility. By encouraging individuals to explore and express themselves, we encourage them become more likely to contribute positively to society. #CreateWeek is all about spreading the word about the incredible power the creative arts have to improve the lives of individuals and society as a whole. Find out more at createweek.org, sign up, and get involved! #PeopleNeedToCreate #creativity #wellbeing

As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the role of public art in our communities has never been more vital. Now and There Inc. is a beacon of creativity and inclusivity in Greater Boston. It's not just about art; we're about impactful art that's accessible to everyone. 🌍 Your support can make a real difference. Whether it's a financial contribution, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. Together, we can ensure that public art continues to be a powerful tool for dialogue, healing, and joy in our communities. https://lnkd.in/exNJZMeV

Heartfelt gratitude to Carlos García León and Community-Centric Fundraising for sharing, things that resonate with the realities many of us face in the arts and culture sector. Carlos's candid reflection captures the essence of our shared experiences—the moments of existential crisis amidst the chaos of a world where the arts often seem sidelined, and the relentless pressure of navigating within a system that doesn't always prioritize the transformative power of creativity. As Carlos puts it, "Every few weeks, I go into an existential crisis at the state of the world...typical stuff." Yes, the arts hold the potential to ground us in difficult times, serving as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. Yet, we struggle with a systemic wealth disparity that stifles dreams and deprives communities of access to the cultural nuggets we tirelessly advocate for. Carlos sheds light on the complexities of community engagement within predominantly white institutions (PWIs), where genuine connection with communities too often takes a back seat to profit-driven agendas. His experiences as a fundraiser, educator, and advocate underscore the urgent need to prioritize community voices and dismantle barriers to access. In a post-George Floyd era, as nonprofits strive to broaden their reach, Carlos reminds us to tread carefully, mindful of our intentions and the impact of our actions. Communities deserve more than token gestures—they deserve authentic engagement and meaningful representation. As we navigate these challenges, Carlos's call to center community perspectives resonates loudly. It's a reminder that our efforts must be driven by a genuine desire to uplift and empower, not by the whims of donors or the pressures of the status quo. Yes, working in the arts and culture sector can be disheartening at times. We may not be directly solving hunger, poverty, or systemic injustices, but we are enriching lives, challenging perceptions, and sparking moments of joy and inspiration. In a world scarred by inequity and strife, the arts offer comfort, connection, and a glimpse of a brighter future. Let us focus on community-centric approaches, amplify the voices historically marginalized, and honor the transformative power of creativity. For in the arts, we find not just entertainment, but a reflection of our shared humanity—a reminder that, amidst the chaos, our stories matter, and our voices deserve to be heard. #Arts #Culture #Nonprofits #Learning #Education #ArtsOrganizations #Philanthropy #Community #Capitalism #Sociopolitical #CommunityEngagement #AudienceEngagement #Advocacy #DEI #IndustrialComplex #Donors #Humanity

Please join me in learning more about "Making the Ask."

Accessibility in art refers to the design and implementation of artistic practices and spaces that ensure inclusivity for individuals with diverse abilities and backgrounds. It encompasses a commitment to breaking down barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from engaging fully in the artistic experience. This can involve considerations such as physical accessibility in exhibition spaces, providing alternative formats for visual or auditory content, and embracing inclusive practices that invite individuals of varying abilities to participate in the creation and appreciation of art. By prioritizing accessibility, the art world aims to foster an environment where everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, can access and contribute to the rich and transformative power of artistic expression. #nonprofit #nonprofitorganization #accessibility

This video testimonial from the Director of the Hearts of Glass Documentary, Jennifer Tennican. The testimonial shows the impact of the Hearts of Glass documentary, which the Council provided funding for closed captioning and other accessibility pieces of the production. The documentary tells the story of a Cutting-edge food production meets social good in an ambitious experiment to provide year-round produce to a mountain town, while providing meaningful employment for community members with disabilities. Jennifer says “We were lucky to received funding through a bright ideas grant back in 2017. And this really jump-started production of the film and was, essentially, a seal of approval, which allowed us to other donors on board and other grant funding.” To view the testimonial, visit https://lnkd.in/gMZt-XSW... To learn more about the film, visit https://lnkd.in/g73XE2j7... The purpose of the Council's Bright Ideas Mini-Grant is to facilitate new and innovative projects and/or activities in the state that will empower people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Wyoming Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities is currently accepting applications for the Bright Ideas Grant. All Applications are due prior to January 12, 2024. Grants are effective October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025. Projects or activities funded by a Mini Grant must fulfill the Council’s stated purpose and vision. The project must be innovative. This means the project should introduce something new, or make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods or ideas. Durable goods and direct services cannot be funded. The WGCDD is granting $75,000 for the 2024-25 grant period. Grant amounts can range from $1,000.00 up to $35,000 per project. Visit https://lnkd.in/eDRNCctC for more information and to apply for a mini-grant.

I recently came across Alan Harrison's post, "The Mellon Foundation Did a Nice Thing. Next Time, Look at Where the Action Is." It sparked reflections on the state of philanthropy and the dynamics within the arts community. 🔹 It's evident that there's a tendency to gravitate towards established names and proven results (in the world of philanthropy). However, this often means smaller, innovative organizations miss out on much-needed support. We must recognize that every large organization started small, and the bootstrap mentality isn't always feasible when survival hinges on financial backing. 🔹 While the artistic elements of our organizations are vital, we can't ignore the pressing issues of our time. Arts organizations must be intersectional, addressing societal challenges like government, war, gun violence, and hate. As Atlanta's Out of Hand Theater realized, sometimes what a community truly needs is justice, not just another theater company. 🔹 I believe arts organizations should actively engage with and perform in the communities they serve. Why not take performances to local venues, festivals, or block parties? This fosters connections on the community's terms, moving beyond the notion of "build it, and they will come." 🔹 Scaling and sustainability are often discussed in broad terms, but what about thriving at the local level? There's immense value in being content with local impact and nurturing strong community ties. 🔹 We need to shift our support towards organizations where service work is integral, not just an add-on for funding purposes. Genuine community impact should drive our efforts, not just compliance with grant requirements. 🔹 Chris, a commenter, pointed out that grant-making processes often force organizations into a box, dictating programs and goals that may not align with their true mission, hindering genuine community engagement and innovation. Read Alan's post for more. #Arts #Culture #Philanthropy #Foundations #Leadership #Experimentation #Scale #Sustainability #Relevancy #AudienceEngagement #CommunityEngagement #Service #Education #Grantmaking #Intersectionality #Innovation

Thanks to The Chronicle of Philanthropy for highlighting our work at the Center for Cultural Affairs #AEILab on evaluating the guaranteed income for artists program at Creatives Rebuild New York. There is a huge opportunity right now to understand how guaranteed income affects artists. We're doing the initial evaluation, just as artists in the CRNY GIA program are rolling off; but as any evaluator knows, to really understand the effects of policy and programs we need longer-term evaluations. This is the ideal time for foundations supporting artists to invest in a long-term evaluative effort that can make an impact on building support structures for artists.

Start your week with "What We're Reading: Issue 8." 🔍 In this edition, we explore: -The power of storytelling in fundraising and how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with donors. -Strategies for engaging and retaining mid-level donors, an often-overlooked but critical segment of your donor base. -The impact of artificial intelligence on the nonprofit sector and how to harness its potential for your organization. -Insights on the future of corporate social responsibility and what it means for nonprofit partnerships. -Tips for creating a more inclusive and equitable fundraising strategy that reflects the diversity of your community. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gJpVxFpU #FundraisingInsights #NonprofitLeadership #DonorEngagement #InclusiveFundraising #FutureOfPhilanthropy