These days, its unusual to hear about new funding programs … many foundations are struggling just to maintain their current giving levels. So, when George Soros’ Open Society Institute recently announced grants of $11 million to 79 small and mid-sized performing arts organizations in New York City, it was a welcome and needed surprise. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703724104575379631712017488.html Though Though not an arts foundation, Ann Beeson from OSI remarked, “we know the central role arts and culture play in economic stability and social change.”
There are several distinguishing features of this program that make it worth mentioning (full disclosure: Helicon helped design and implement this program). The awards were speedy, generous and focused on unrestricted operating support. But perhaps the most unusual and important feature is that this program imposed no fundraising burden to any nonprofit arts group. The Fund for the City of New York and Helicon completed reviews of more than 250 organizations for eligibility. Eligible organizations were asked to complete a one-page form that confirmed or adjusted their data. No had to spend time writing a multi-page proposal for a grant they wouldn’t receive, or trying to psych out the behind-the-scenes workings of the program.
This simple and straightforward approach won’t work in all cases, of course, but we’d love to see more funders re-think their procedures to diminish, not enlarge, the demands on non-profit organizations.
