NOTES from “Funding the Arts in Rural Areas, “ an interactive discussion with a panel of funders and grants/donation seekers. Hosted by St. Lawrence County Arts Council, July 29th in Potsdam.
Panelists:
Fred Hanss, Director, Potsdam Planning & Development
Suzy McBroom runs the Community Arts Grant program for St. Lawrence County Arts Council
Hilary Oak, Executive Director, St. Lawrence County Arts Council
Rande Richardson, Associate Director, Northern New York Community Foundation, Inc.
Susan Sweeney Smith, Director of Community Outreach and Major Gifts, North Country Public Radio
Martha Strodel, Rural Arts Program Director, NYS ARTS
Hilary welcomed all to the workshop and introduced Martha Strodel, who gave a brief overview of NYS ARTS, its Rurals Program and professional development workshops and webinars; the upcoming Arts Summit and the Cultural Data Project.
As facilitator, Hilary asked attendees to briefly introduce themselves and their reasons for attending. She referred to the list of prepared questions which guided the panel presentations and interactive discussion, then introduced the panelists. As the prepared questions structured the discussion, these notes follow this format. Most of the questions were directed toward funders, but others encouraged general discussion.
What are the primary challenges that face arts organizations who seek funding in rural areas?
• sponsors are pulling back on promised support because of the economy
• funders are willing to support organizations in larger towns and cities, but when in a remote location, lower numbers of people served works against you.
• some of the issues center on being “stuck” because of the economy; despite new outreach programs that are proven successful, or a priority for community members, they can’t move forward with these due to the economy.
• a number of other attendees were looking for spaces for public programs.
Questions for funders:
• As a funder of cultural programs, what kinds of funding do you provide and who is eligible to apply?
• What is the application process, and how should organizations approach you for funding?
• What do you look for in a proposal?
• Do you provide support for individual artists?
Rande began by answering a question raised during introductions; if your service community is small, then pull board members from the larger population centers. He also pointed out that only 18% of funding comes from foundations and corporations; most is raised through individual donations and small gifts.
Northern New York Community Foundation offers a quarterly open application process for organizations based in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Recently they have expanded their funding into St. Lawrence County. The foundation supports cultural organization projects, and scholarships for careers in the arts. They fund projects in the small, rural areas of these counties as well as in the cities. They do not directly fund artists or general operating support, but will fund administrative costs of a project.
Rande stressed the importance of personal contact when approaching community foundations for support. Let funders know of your projects plan early on; build the dialogue and relationship before submitting an application. Submit the application before the deadline; staff can then guide you if the proposal needs strengthening. By the time the proposal gets to the board, staff wants to see it happen, and can be advocates. Other things his foundation looks for in applications: the need/impact of project, what the applicant’s investment is in the project, and a realistic request.
As the person at North County Public Radio responsible for raising major gifts, Susan also stressed the importance of building personal and ongoing relationships with funders. Making this a habit often brings wonderful “surprises.” She has also found that effective fund raising is always tied into the organizational strategic plan/vision - it backs up every project request (which is part of your business plan to address the strategic plan.) A confident and positive voice is also important - don’t talk about “if” we get the money to make this happen, but “when” we get the money to make this happen. Timing is important too - you might consider postponing a large capital campaign if your area hospital is also running one. When writing grants, check your facts, don’t depend of spellcheck and have a fresh eye look at it before submission.
Fred Hanss is the Director of the Village of Potsdam’s Planning & Development Office. He stated that the North Country is relatively recession proof; lots of small businesses, and thus, not a lot of job loss when the economy turns bad. He’s noticed a renewed interest in opening/starting businesses in Potsdam, both from Canadian companies and local entrepreneurs.
Potsdam P & D understands the role the arts can play; his planning office helped renovate and relocate St. Lawrence County Arts Council into a downtown space that was damaged by fire, and sees the arts council as the shining star in rebuilding downtown Potsdam. Hilary and Fred recently partnered to submit a “Restore New York” grant to renovate another major downtown building into a multi-arts center and arts incubator. Fred is more than willing to work with organizations to find space, and is interested in setting up a micro loan program available to working artists.
He strongly advises that cultural organizations partner with their local or county planning and economic development agencies; this opens many doors for rural organizations to borrow funds or receive grants through such agencies as the USDA Rural Development Fund to meet space needs. There are other resources to help, such as the Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton, which can assist in developing a strategic plan and/or business plan.
Suzy McBroom runs the NYSCA Decentralization Program for St. Lawrence County. These are project grants with public benefit, available to organizations, municipalities and individual artists. They offer workshops in writing the grant application and provide ongoing assistance on a one-on-on basis.
What are the big No-No’s in seeking funding?
• Don’t lie - have your facts straight
• Don’t whine or state that the success of your project is totally dependent on one source of funding.
• Don’t cut back on your organization’s fundraising campaigns and activities because of a stressed economy.
Some “Do’s”?
• build the relationship with all potential funders, small or large. Sometimes that annual gift of $100 can turn into a major bequest.
• diversify your resources and build your membership, individual donor giving and any earned income support as your main source of general operating support.
• develop a strategic plan tied to your organization’s mission; tie this in with a business plan to secure support.
• present a confident, professional attitude in dealing with funders.
• reach out to other community resources, such as economic or development agencies; a benefit of rural areas is that we know and help our neighbors.
• say “thank you,” to funders when support comes through.
What are some creative fundraising approaches?
Hilary explained a fund raiser they are now working on which ties their mission/vision to serve artists and the community; at the same time building the personal relationships people living in rural areas need and constantly use - this time, with artists. The “Service Auction” is accepting bids on such items as a Photography Mentoring one day session; or learn ballroom dancing in 3 sessions, or how to make utilitarian pottery, or how to create a website.
Orchestra of Northern NY does an annual raffle called “Maestro for the Night.” The winner gets mentoring sessions with the orchestra conductor, then gets to conduct during their annual Pops concert.
