Saturday, December 28, 2013

Happy holidays from DanceWorks Chicago

Hope everyone is enjoying a festive/restful/magical/fill-in-your-own-adjective holiday season!

Here's to more creativity and adventure in 2014!!!

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

DCASE Grant Opportunity

On Friday, December 6, The Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE) Cultural Grants Program will be launching our 2014 Individual Artist Program which provides project grants for individual artists and creative professionals.  We are looking to reach as many artists as possible across the City and are asking for your assistance in that effort.

Attached to this email, you will find a flyer with more details about the Individual Artists Program. Please let us know if you are able to help disseminate information through your networks via email, newsletters, or your website. We can provide additional content if it is helpful.

INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS PROGRAM OVERVIEW – Opens December 6, 2013/Closes January 13, 2014 5PM CST
The goal of the Individual Artists Program (IAP) is to discover, nurture and expand Chicago’s practicing artists and creative professionals. Through this grant program, DCASE will award project grants to Chicago-based artists and creative professionals over 18 years of age, at all career levels (emerging, mid-career, mature), and working across numerous disciplines. We will support those working in both the traditional fine arts as well as the for-profit creative industries. Grant sizes typically range from $2,000-$5,000.  The Individual Artists Program encompasses  support through two different Funding Categories:
Creation of Artistic Work – Provides project support for practicing artists and creative professionals to develop or create artistic work. 
Professional Development – Supports professional development opportunities, projects and programs related to the career of a practicing artist or creative professional.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible to apply for the Individual Artists Program grant, applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:
• Be a professional artist or creative professional.
• Work within one or more of the following disciplines/areas: Visual, Music (vocal and instrumental), Dance, Theater, Performance Art, Interdisciplinary, Literary, Design (includes Fashion, Industrial, and Costume), Film, Curatorial and Archival; and
• Be at least 18 years old; and
• Be a United States citizen or a holder of permanent alien status; and
• Be a resident of the city of Chicago, Illinois.


Questions?  Please go to our website at www.ChicagoCulturalGrants.org; or e-mail me at APortillo@cityofchicago.org.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Grant opportunities from the Arts Work Fund

There are two grant opportunities available from the Arts Work Fund to support the capacity building needs small arts and cultural organizations

1. Capacity Building grant program

2. Building Capacity in Culturally Diverse Arts Organizations grant program ( for organizations that have no previously received AWF funding)

Qualifications:
·         A mission primarily focused on presenting, producing, or providing arts programming and/or on serving  artists or small arts and cultural organizations
·         A three-year operating history after incorporation as an Illinois nonprofit
·         At least one paid part-time staff and a minimum of five board members
·         Located in and serving Chicago or Cook County
·         Most recently completed fiscal year expenses between $50,000-$800,000

Full details available at www.artsworkfund.org.

Proposal deadline: January 15, 2014


Questions: call Marcia Festen @ 773-296-2601 or email marcia@artsworkfund.org

Saturday, November 23, 2013

DanceWorks Chicago's open company audition TODAY!

Get behind-the-scenes with DanceWorks Chicago and sit in on our open company audition held on stage of the Dance Center of Columbia College TODAY from 10am-2pm. Audience members may come and go as they please. FREE! 

Start your Thanksgiving week with a healthy dose of the arts! http://www.danceworkschicago.org/Event/11232013audition.aspx

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Basic Bookkeeping with Quickbooks

Wednesdays, January 22 and 29, 9:30am-12:30pm
A&BC Office building, 70 E Lake St,
3rd Floor Conference Room
A two-part introduction to nonprofit bookkeeping. As participants learn bookkeeping basics they will also be introduced to the corresponding Quickbooks entries relevant internal control issues for each type of transaction. The training will cover recording and tracking income and expense transactions, creating standard reports, and establishing internal controls to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud. The presentation will focus on the specific needs of nonprofit arts organizations.
 
Trainings will be led by a certified Quickbooks Adviser from The A.C.T Group LTD, a Chicago CPA firm and Dan Jacobson, Director of Operations for the Arts & Business Council of Chicago. Dan is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP), through the National Association of Nonprofit Accountants & Consultants (NPAC).
 
This course is meant for Managing Directors, Office Managers, Bookkeepers or anyone else who is new to bookkeeping and is responsible for their organization’s financial record using Quickbooks, Class size will be limited to 12 people.
 
Price: $199 for 2 class sessions
 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Proposal Writing 101 - January 23, 2014

When: January 23
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: TBA
Fees: $ 150 Discounted fee for Forum Partners, Members, and Associate Members; $ 250 standard rate
Register Here


This full-day introductory workshop focuses on positioning your organization to prepare, write, and submit successful proposals to foundations and corporations. Through detailed instruction as well as small-group exercises and peer review, you'll learn how to craft each of the seven essential elements of a winning proposal. We'll also explore what it takes to build a close partnership with your funders to achieve fundraising goals. This session includes a unique opportunity to hear from, learn, and ask questions of a panel of funders.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Webinar: How to Create an Awesome Nonprofit Facebook Page

Dates available (space is limited):
Thursday, November 21, 1-2:30pm EST
Thursday, December 5, 1-2:30pm EST

Price: $69

Course Level - Beginner
This nonprofit webinar is presented by John Haydon, author of Facebook Marketing for Dummies.

Nonprofits, large and small, are using Facebook to engage with supporters, launch fundraising campaigns, enhance donor relationships, and spread awareness about their causes. You can do this too, and it all starts with your organization’s Facebook Page. Many inadvertently select the wrong page type, the wrong page category, and miss basic, but fundamental, settings that can adversely impact your nonprofit's results on Facebook.

This live nonprofit webinar will give you the strategies and the step-by-step tactics to take your Facebook Page from average to amazing! You will learn how the smartest nonprofits are using cover images, milestones, highlighted photos, and pinned posts. You will also learn how to avoid the most common Facebook mistakes when selecting your Page’s type and category, how to create and edit your Page’s short URL, and how to automate comment moderation.

John will demonstrate how to create a nonprofit Facebook Page from scratch, with a profile picture, an effective cover image, milestones, and more!

You'll Get These Questions Answered:
  • How can I best present my nonprofit within a Facebook Page?
  • What Page type and category is best for our specific nonprofit?
  • How can I use Facebook cover images for my Page to encourage people to like our Page?
  • How can I optimize my Facebook Page for maximum virality?
  • What considerations should I keep in mind for SEO (search engine optimization)?
  • How can I configure different levels of access for Page admins?
  • What are some powerful ways I can initially promote my Facebook Page?
  • How can I prevent spam and negative comments on my Page?
  • When should I delete negative comments and/or ban users?
  • How can I make sure my personal information (photos, friends lists, contact info) isn’t seen by people who like our Facebook Page?
  • Who should be managing my Page?
  • How can I create a commenting policy for my Page?
Bonus! This nonprofit webinar also includes 9 step-by-step videos:
  1. How to Create A Nonprofit Facebook Page from Scratch
  2. How to Configure Your Page Permissions For Maximum Reach
  3. How To Create An Effective Cover Image
  4. How To Keep Your Page Private Until You’re Ready For Launch
  5. How To Find Useful Applications For Your Facebook Page
  6. How To Login Correctly Between Your Profile And Page 
  7. How To Receive Email Notifications About Your Page's Activity
  8. How To Add And Manage Multiple Admins To Your Facebook Page
  9. How (and why) to Delete Negative Comments & How To Ban Specific Users
Additional learning materials:
  • A complete downloadable version of the slides
  • A Facebook Page features map with terms, image dimensions, definitions, etc.
  • A eecorded version of this webinar is included with your purchase
About the Topic Expert: John Haydon is the author of Facebook Marketing for Dummies, and founder of Inbound Zombie, a new media consulting firm helping nonprofits with online marketing. He has spoken at the Nonprofit Technology Conference, BlogWorld, BBCon, is an Instructor for Marketing Profs University, and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. John has trained thousands of nonprofits, both large and small, via CharityHowTo nonprofit webinars

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Basic Bookkeeping with Quickbooks

The Arts & Business Council is hosting a Quickbooks series of workshops in January. Save the dates!

A&BC Office Building
70 East Lake St, 3rd Floor Conference Room
1:00-4:00pm

Saturday, November 9, 2013

TODAY: Last Dance Bytes of 2013

Join us for the unveiling of a new work by guest choreographic duo casebolt and smith TODAY at 1pm and 3:30pm in the Katten/Landau Studio, 425 South Wabash, 4th floor. Dance Bytes is an informal, behind-the-scenes look at the work of art. It's FUN. It's FREE. It's DIFFERENT!

Friday, November 8, 2013

How do you promote yourself?

Join Chicago Creative Coalition for a rousing and informative discussion, as well as great food and drinks (everyone orders off the menu.)

Bring a friend and join your fellow creatives in this moderated roundtable on how we show-and-tell the world about our work.

Prepare to discuss methodology, websites, physical portfolio set-ups, best practices, favorite apps, tips and tricks - whatever you use to promote your work, yourself and your business.
Bring your ideas and questions to this first in a series of roaming, informal roundtables.

Thursday, November 14 @ 6:00pm
The Globe Pub
1934 W. Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60613 

The program is FREE! 
Just order enough off the menu for yourself so we don't get kicked out 'til we're good and ready to leave!

RSVP to George Berlin by noon on Nov. 13 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Individual Giving 101 Workshop by Donors Forum

Learn How to Grow Your Organization's Individual Giving at our Workshop on Tues., Nov. 12

Do you know these fundraising facts?
  • Seventy-nine percent of all charitable donations come from individuals. 
  • For most organizations, cultivating individual donors is the best way to ensure that their fundraising is successful and sustainable.

Register now for Individual Giving 101, our workshop which will help you enhance your fundraising through building relationships with individual donors.

You'll learn top techniques, strategies, and skills for turning prospects into donors. You'll also learn how to prepare a case for support, develop prospect lists, and cultivate, motivate, and retain individual donors. We'll cover donors solicitation, including online fundraising, as well as moving smaller donors up to becoming more significant donors.

Your instructor will be Jackie Kaplan-Perkins, a well-recognized fundraising consultant with more than 20 years of practical experience. Jackie has served as senior staff at leading Chicago philanthropies and nonprofits, and was a fellow in both the Rockefeller Foundation's Next Generation Leadership program and Leadership Greater Chicago. She has received numerous awards and honors.

Individual Giving 101: The Secret to Fundraising Success with Individual Donors
Tuesday, November 12, 9 am - 4 pm (breakfast and lunch provided)
Donors Forum Large Conference Room
208 S. LaSalle, Suite 1535, Chicago

$150 – Discounted rate for Forum Partners
$250 – Standard Rate

Register now!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Hola from Cordoba!

DanceWorks Chicago is finishing up a fabulous week in Cordoba, Mexico, where we have been teaching, performing, and representing at the Festival Internacional de Danza Cordoba! Back in Chicago soon. Hasta luego!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Special Executive Coaching Offer Exclusive for SMART Growth Grantees

Noreen Kelly has offered to provide low-cost coaching to CCT's SMART Growth grantees for an extreme discount.  If you are interested, please contact Noreen at noreen@noreenkelly.com.  Her services include:

Executive Coaching & Consulting
By managing the flow of ideas, we develop a strategic plan of implementation to attract and improve relationships with your market so your market will want to meet you, your people, products and/or services:


Managing an idea
  • Help discover, shape, ground, or fine tune an idea
  • Assist in the management, direction and flow of how an idea is identified, experienced, birthed, strategized, taken to action
  • Assist an organization or team to be more effective in relationship with their ideas, solutions, and the enhancement of their ideas
  • Enhance or build upon an existing idea
  • Help a good idea become profitable
Managing your stress

  • Organize the chaos that needs to be given focus and order
  • Birth an idea into strategy and implementation
  • Experience a new idea
  • Experience a solution to an existing idea
  • Find solutions and create new solutions to existing operations
  • Discover the questions that need to be answered

Integral Communication
We help leaders build trust by Aligning Behavior and Communication (ABC):


  • Helps reach audiences through credible, targeted communication
  • Advises management on clarification and strategic direction of mission, vision, goals and objectives
  • Counsels management in building employee engagement and trusting relationships by improving their communication style, strategies and impact
  • Advises leaders on delivering consistent, credible messages
  • Coaches leaders on alignment of messages with words and actions
  • Provides change communications strategy for gaining awareness, understanding and acceptance of an organization’s new direction, changing behaviors, and ultimately, improving business results
  • Works with management on communicating corporate ethics, compliance and social responsibility commitment
  • Counsels management on communication ethics and boosting credibility with employees 
  • Provides communication strategy and tactics that strengthen and manage an organization’s reputation



Noreen Kelly's Bio: Noreen Kelly Communications, Inc. is a coaching and consulting firm specialized in leading change communication efforts on behalf of organizations and promoting new programs to internal and external audiences. Noreen Kelly, the company's founder and president, brings more than 20 years of corporate experience within global Fortune 500 companies as well as not-for-profit enterprises, academic institutions and entrepreneurial ventures. She offers a broad array of capabilities, including communication strategy and implementation, leadership communication, co-active coaching, corporate communications, employee communications, public relations, and project management.  

Noreen holds a Master of Science degree in Communication, Managerial Program, from Northwestern University, and is currently enrolled in a coach certification program through The Coaches Training Institute (CTI), a worldwide, accredited, International Coaching Federation program operating in twenty-five countries. CTI's co-active coaching model is about empowering people to find their own answers, encouraging them and supporting them on their path, and helping people to be accountable and keep them moving forward toward their dreams and goals.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

DanceWorks Chicago on the MOVE!

DWC returns to Mexico next weekend to make our debut in the Festival Internacional de Danza Córdoba at the end of the month! We are honored to represent Chicago at this international convening. When we return, DWC offers Dance Chance, Dance Bytes, and our annual open company audition to our local community of artists and audience. Always moving!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Upcoming Workshops: Board Orientation and Succession Planning

Building Your Board Orientation Packet & Process
Monday, October 21 - 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Arts and Business Council of Chicago
70 East Lake Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room
Click to Register

A focused, process-driven look at how your organization can effectively structure its orientation process and create a handbook and job description for new board members. This session includes a 45-minute presentation followed by 45 minutes of small group coaching with one of our Board Consultants. $15 brown bag lunch, drinks will be provided. Organizations are encourages to attend with two board members or a board and executive staff member.

Leadership Succession Planning
Tuesday, October 22, 2013 - 9:30 a.m - 11:30 a.m.
Columbia College Chicago
623 South Wabash, Hokin Hall, Rm 109
Click to Register

A prepared organization is an enduring organization. Planning ahead for major leadership transitions helps to ensure that your organization will continue its important work by operating productively and smoothly throughout a transition while preserving the important knowledge and experience of its funders or long-time leaders.

You'll learn what is succession planning and why its important; what are the organizational benefits of succession planning; when and how can an organization start the succession planning process; transitioning from a founder-driven philosophy; and how can an organization build a culture that enables and encourages succession planning through outlined transitions and leadership development. Click here to learn more

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Prep for 2013 NAMPC with Arts Marketing Blog Salon











Get ready for the 2013 National Arts Marketing Project (NAMP) Conference by taking some cues from creative business leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents on ARTSblog.

Join NAMP for the Arts Marketing Blog Salon, October 7-11, to swap ideas and personal commentary on the broad landscape of arts marketing and community engagement. You will not want to miss the dish from top marketing practitioners and consultants in the field including Rachel Grossman, Will Lester, Doug Tuck, Ron Evans, and many more.

Visit the Arts Marketing Blog Salon to leave a comment, share an opinion, or ask a question. Then, continue the conversation in Portland, OR at the 2013 NAMP Conference.

Register Today: The Advanced Registration deadline is Friday, October 25!
Register before this date to receive $50 off a second registration!




Tuesday, September 10, 2013

FREE: National Innovation Summit for Arts & Culture

2013: Leaving the Shore

250 pioneering arts and culture leaders to converge in Denver from October 20th to 23rd for a non-traditional conference to celebrate and advance innovation in the sector. The Summit will bring together - in person and virtually - arts leaders from around the world for a high-profile event exploring the challenges, discoveries, and achievements of daring to depart from traditional approaches. 

The Virtual Summit will live-stream 27 dynamic, thematically linked 12-minute talks that highlight the remarkable and mostly untold stories of innovative projects unfolding in arts and culture organizations. These talks are about letting go of the certainties and "best practices" of the past by encouraging a spirit of inquiry and experimenting with "next practices." The takeaways: practical tips and a big dose of inspiration.

The Talks and discussions that follow will be organized around six themes:
- Taking Collective Action (5 p.m. - 10/20)
- Co-Creating with the Public (10 a.m. - 10/21)
- Artists as Agents of Change (12 p.m. - 10/21)
- Animating Neighborhoods (4:30 p.m. - 10/21)
- Citizenship and the Arts (11 a.m. - 10/22)
- Transforming Organizational Structure (4:30 p.m. - 10/22)

To learn more click hereArtsFwd: an initiatice of EmcArts.

ArtsFwd: an initiatice of EmcArts is pleased to be partnering with three organizations for the Virtual Summit: HowIRound, #2amt and National Arts Marketing Project (NAMP).

Register Now! Participation is FREE.


Thursday, September 5, 2013

Webinar: Create Powerful Videos on a Small Budget

Thursday, October 24, 2013
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Early Bird: $75
After October 10: $96
Register Here

More and more nonprofits use video to inspire supporters and raise money. If you haven't added video to your website yet, or you want tips on how to created compelling videos without spending a fortune, join us for a productive hour. We'll share examples of great charity videos, and you'll hear directly from some of the most effective nonprofit video storytellers who'll share low-cost tactics and techniques to help you raise money, inspire action, and build support for your cause.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Workshop: Use Social Media for Audience Development

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Columbia College Chicago
623 South Wabash, Hokin Hall, Rm 109
Register Here!
Price: $45 (NPO budget <$250k); $65 (NPO budget > $250k/ for-profit/ individuals)

Speaker: John Armstrong, Senior Community Manager, Astek

Let's "get real" about social media. It's not free and it's not easy. At its worst, social media is a loud speaker pushing undifferentiated noise few will understand or even care about. At its best, it is the most effective and efficient way to have a meaningful conversation with you patrons and add value to their relationship with your company. This relationship is the foundation for building new audiences, attracting volunteers and developing long-term donors. At this workshop, you'll join John Armstrong in a discussion about creating targeted, resource-friendly campaigns designed to build loyalty and your brand. In addition, case studies will be presented from two organizations at different stages of development that have used social media beyond the traditional strategies and engaged their audience in a uniquely memorable way.

At this workshop, you'll learn:
- The myths and misconceptions of social media that create barriers to successful use of this creative marketing channel;
- How to target a social media strategy for two purposes; reaching a new audience and making your current audience more loyal;
- How to move social media from the computer screen into real-life and activate your audience (and your brand);
- Examples of both small and large campaigns that have created engagement, entertainment and brand awareness;
-How creating a simple social media campaign can be a fun, collaborative and mission-building experience.

Online registration will close at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 9. 


Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Basic Bookkeeping with Quickbooks - 3 sessions for $249

Learn the basics of bookkeeping  and corresponding Quickbooks entries relevant to internal control issues for each type of transaction. The training will cover recording and tracking income and expense transactions, creating standard reports, and establishing internal controls to ensure accuracy and prevent fraud. The presentation will focus on the specific needs of nonprofit arts organizations.

**This course is meant for Managing Directors, Office Managers, Bookkeepers or anyone else who is new to bookkeeping and is responsible for their organization's financial record using Quickbooks. Class size is limited to 12 people. 

Part 1: Intro. to Bookkeeping with Quickbooks, September 25, 1-4 p.m.
- Overview of Quickbooks software
- Using the Chart of Accounts, Classes and Job functions
- Receivables (Recording income such as donations, ticket sales and grants)
- Payables (recording expenses and paying bills)
- Using Memorized Transactions
- Question & Answer Session

Part 2: Intro. to Bookkeeping with Quickbooks 2. October 23, 1-4 p.m.
- Review of Quickbooks Basics from Part 1
- Reconciling Bank and Credit Card Statements
- Basic Quickbooks Reports
- Customizing, Memorizing, and Exporting Reports
- Question & Answer Session

Part 3: Best Practices & Internal Controls, November 6, 1-3 p.m.
- The Financial Management Cycle
- Introduction to Internal Controls
- Ten Controls You Can Put in Place Immediately
- Key Policies for Nonprofits
- Question & Answer Session


Sessions will be led by a certified Quickbooks Adviser from The A.C.T Group LTD, a Chicago CPA firm and Dan Jacobson, Director of Operations for the Arts & Business Council of Chicago. Dan is a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP), through the National Association of Nonprofit Accountants & Consultants (NPAC).

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Social Media Boot Camp Classes Available! (Month of August)

Two Social Media Boot Camp Classes Available This Month 

There are still seats available for BACP's* Social Media Boot Camp workshops in August. The workshops are designed help small businesses develop and expand a social media presence.

The two workshops will focus on Facebook (Aug. 16) and YouTube (Aug. 30). Additionally, a workshop on connecting your business with smartphones users will be available on the remaining Friday (Aug. 23)

All the workshops are free to attend and are held in Room 805 at City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago. The full calendar of August workshops can be viewed here and at the bottom of this newsletter.

*City of Chicago, Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection

BOARD BOOTCAMP

Through a generous grant from Crown Family Philanthropies, and additional support from Pierce Family Philanthropies, Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW) will host its third annual Board Boot Camp. The program will include a comprehensive, interactive two-and-a-half day training where participants will gain skills in topics such as board roles and responsibilities, understanding nonprofit financials, and fundraising basics. There will also be a panel discussion where women currently serving on boards and CFW grantee organizations will share their experiences, as well as a reception where participants can meet nonprofits in need of board members and find a good fit for their new skills.

Board Boot Camp is designed for individuals with no prior nonprofit board experience.

WHEN: October 19, 23 and 26, 2013

Saturday workshops, October 19 and October 26: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Networking session, October 23, 2013: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Chicago Loop (Details will be sent to registered participants)

Completed applications due by: Early Bird registration: Before August 30th $150*

Regular registration: August 30th - September 30th $200**

REGISTER HERE

*Cost is $150 for all current CFW Giving Council member in good standing
**Limited scholarship opportunities are available. 

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Dance for Life TONIGHT!

Come out to see and support Chicago's dance community TONIGHT at Dance for Life at the beautifully historic Auditorium Theatre. Proceeds benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Dancers Fund, and Chicago House.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Workshop: Alternative Sources of Revenue Generation

Tuesday, August 20, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Columbia College Chicago
33 E. Congress, Room 101
Price: $45 budget < $250k/ $65 budget > $250k or for-profit organization
Click to Register

In an environment where income sources for nonprofit arts organizations are flat lining and often declining, it's critical for groups to think creatively about generating new sources of revenue to ensure near - and long-term sustainability. At this workshop, you'll hear from three organizations at different stages of development that are experimenting with business models that venture beyond the traditional strategies of relying solely on grant support, fundraising events and ticket sales. The case studies presented will include examples of for hire work, rental income opportunities and the counter-intuitive model that has yielded financial growth through free programming.

You'll learn:
- How to reconsider your assets as an arts organization and determine your untapped value;
- How to challenge the traditional ways of doing business in the nonprofit world;
- What the possibilities are for growth relating to contract and commissioned work; and
- What questions need to be considered before testing out a new program.

Moderator: 
Kristin Larsen, Executive Director, Stage 773

Panelists:
Alex Balestrieri, Director of Events, Redmoon Theater
Jocelyn Florence, Business Development, Redmoon Theater
Brad Little, Executive Director, Oracle Productions
Anthony Moseley, Executive & Artistic Director, Collaboraction Theatre Company

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Grow Your Reach: Establishing an Advisory/Auxiliary Board

Monday, August 12 - 11:30am-1:00pm
Arts & Business Council of Chicago
70 E Lake St., 3rd Fl Conference Room,
Chicago, IL 60601
Price: $15.00

Presenter:
Aleen Bayard, Principal, marketZing

A&BC Board Consultants:
Jennifer Harris
Stuart B. Jamieson
Travis Life
Jim Nolan

The session will begin with a 40 minute presentation about the benefits and challenges of maintaining an Advisory/Auxiliary Board, determining whether your organization is ready to embark upon creating one, and some steps to get started planning and recruiting. Following the presentation, attendees will meet in small groups with one of A&BC's Board Consultants to discuss concrete, tailored next steps as well as other related challenges that the organization is facing.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Call for Proposals: "Dance: A Moving Canvas"

Audience Architects is launching an exciting new program for select audiences, supported by the Doris Duke Foundation's Engaging Dance Audiences (EDA) research project, a program of Dance/USA: In partnership with Chicago Artists' Coalition (CAC), Arts & Business Council of Chicago and Flyspace Consortium as lead choreographic partners.

"Dance: A Moving Canvas" features four live, interactive gallery showings of visual art and dance works augmented by audience participation, educational materials and lively post-event discussions.

Looking for dance artists who are:
- Available to perform at one of the "Moving Canvas" nights; January 22, April 16 and June 4, 2014.
- Interested in helping to create supportive online event materials including interviews and video.
- Available to meet and actively collaborate with visual artists from CAC's HATCH program residency.
- Able to attend the October 16 kickoff event.

Benefits of Participation Include:
- Exposure to a culturally curious audience who want to learn more about dance
- A supportive collaborative environment that encourages experimentation and allows artists to sample work and get feedback that may inform the piece in unexpected ways.
- Introduction to visual artists and curators through the CAC program.
- A substantive stipend that should offset many costs related to the project.
- Opportunities to be featured in interviews and/or videos that will be promoted on the www.SeeChicagoDance.com and CAR websites.
- May be selected to have a "Dance Tribe" group attend an additional concert late in the year.

To Apply:
- Read the Guidelines HERE.
- Download the application HERE

DEADLINE: Friday, September 6, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.
Questions? For more info contact surinder@audiencearchitects.com


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

FREE: How to Report Back to Donors

Good  morning SMARTies,

We know from donor research and practical experience that donors want to hear what you did with their first gift before they are likely to give you a second one. That means you need to figure our ways to share your results and success stories with donors throughout the year, so you can ask for that additional support.

An annual report is important, but its just one piece of your donor communication plan. During this free webinar, you'll get a menu of more than a dozen different ways that you can report back to your donors, so they'll be ready to do even more to help next time you ask.

http://www.charityhowto.com/webinar_info.php?vid=440 
Note: the webinar is free but you'll have to add it to the cart as if you were purchasing it at a cost of $0.00 by entering your information.

Webinar Take-Aways:

  • What donors say they want to get back from the charities they support
  • East ways to integrate results and success stories into your existing donor communications
  • Sample wording that gives donors credit for your results, so they feel like part of the team
Presented by: Kivi Leroux Miller, president of NonprofitMarketingGuide.com and author of "The Nonprofit Marketing Guide: High-Impact, Low-Cost Ways to Build Support for Your Good Cause."

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Article: How to Raise Money with a Newsletter

Chronicle of Philanthropy

We received the following question from a director of development who requested anonymity for both her organization and herself.

"[...] Do you ever recommend sending both the print and e-mail versions of the same newsletter to your donors and prospective donors? Or should they just receive one of the other? In the past, we have mailed the print newsletter to our higher-value donors and prospects and sent the e-mail version to the rest of our supporters, but I am wondering if that is the best approach."

To answer the question Tom Ahern, a direct-marketing expert and author of four books on communications with donors. He writes:

"E-mail newsletters and print newsletters are not equivalents, as you suspected. They are very different reading experiences, for one thing. E-mail newsletters are a clicker's medium, quickly dismissed. Printed newsletters are physical, and readers tend to sit down to read them (assuming that what you've written is worth reading).

Then there is the money. Few charities I know make much money from their e-mail newsletters. On the other hand, lots of charities I know make serious money from print newsletters. In fact, some charities make more money from their printed newsletters than they do from their direct-mail appeals, improbable as that might seem. (Those newsletters usually contain a return envelope and instructions for how to give online, making it easy for donors to give.)

The best practice is to send printed newsletter to every donor, not just the higher-value ones. The primary purpose of a printed newsletter is to report results so you can improve donor retention. Obviously, you want to retain all donors, not just the wealthier ones."


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Workshop: Build the Board You Really Need

Thursday, July 11, 2013
USG Corporation, 14th Floor East, Gypsum Grill
550 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL
Price: $45 (NPO Budget < $250k); $65 (NPO Budget > $250k/for-profit/individuals)

A well-rounded, highly-engaged, resource-connected board is critical to the organization's long-term success. Make sure that you have the right people around your board table and that everyone is contributing to their maximum potential. This workshop will demonstrate that board recruitment is a team effort driven by knowledge, enthusiasm, and strategy. 

You'll learn...
* How to build your board around your organization's strategic priorities. 
* How to determine your ideal board makeup: Who is on your board? Who is missing?
* What kind of cultivation and communication will attract the right board members? How can you retain and engage current board members?
* How to engage inactive board members and the delicate conversation surrounding board member departure?

Lead presenter: Rena Henderson Mason, President and Board Development Consultant, Bold Agenda

**We will not accept walk-up registrations at this workshop. Due to building security, attendees must be on our security list prior to the event. Please make sure you register online to secure your spot. 


Saturday, June 15, 2013

Greetings from Philadelphia!

Excited to be representing Chicago at Dance/USA's board meeting and annual conference in Philadelphia this week! Lots of learning, networking, and growing...

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Webinar: Using Census Data to Get Grants

Wednesday, June 26, 2013
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
FREE
Register

The basis for any successful grant proposal is objective evidence that a vital community need exists. This is why the best American fundraisers are intimately familiar with the US Census Bureau website, including AmericanFactFinder and mapping tools.

This workshop is intended for those who either are new to the US Census site, are confused by its new format or haven't had time to learn about the wide array of data and services offered at the site.

Takeaways:

  • How to efficiently conduct simple and advanced searches to quickly find the Census information that you need.
  • A fundamental understanding of the array of data available on the US Census website.
  • Free resources that you and your colleagues can utilize to become even more of a data expert.
  • Tips on processing the data you obtain from the Census site.
Speaker: Mark Goldstein, CFRE is President and CEO of Communication Mark consulting in Arden, NC. Mr. Goldstein is most sought after as an expert proposal writer and project strategist. He is the creator of Open Communication Fundraising Model, a system that enables all nonprofit agency stakeholders to effectively work together toward organizational and fundraising goals. 


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Free Webinar: 10 Super Solid Ways to Grow Your Nonprofit Email List

Tuesday, June 11, 2013
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Register

Despite the phenomenal growth of social media, email is still the most effective nonprofit communication channel. Email is your direct connection to supporters (plus you own that relationship, not Facebook!). The core, immutable law of nonprofit email marketing is - Always Be Growing Your List. Why? People leave your list. Email addresses become unreachable. Subscribers stop responding. Your list performance withers.

You need fresh interest and that's best given by new subscribers. Whether you are starting from scratch, looking to go beyond a monthly trickle of new subscribers, or wanting to go big, you can learn how to grow your email list with these 10 proven tactics.

Learn to 1) practice your ABC's (Always Be Collecting) every time, everywhere; 2) execute specific, fun, creative campaigns that attract qualified subscribers; 3) turn your direct-mail subscribers into online subscribers; 4) acquire supporters through sponsored actions such as petitions and pledges.

Presented by Kerri Karvetski, owner of Company K Media. Kerri helps nonprofits and social benefit companies communicate online.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Presentation: First Look: Giving USA 2013 - The Latest Trends in Giving

Campbell & Company is excited to present First Look: Giving USA 2013. There is no fee to attend. Reservation is required. Click here to register. We are excited to change the format this year to a breakfast / roundtable discussion with a number of nonprofit leaders 

When:
Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
7:30 a.m. Registration and networking breakfast
8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Presentation and roundtable discussion

Where:
Northwestern  Memorial Hospital
Prentice Women's Hospital
Conference Room L, Third Floor
250 East Superior
Chicago, IL 60611

Giving USA Findings Presenter: Peter Fissinger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Campbell & Company. Click here to see the full listing of roundtable leaders.

Workshops: Advocacy and Messaging

Monday, June 3, 2013
7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Historic Pullman Visitor Center

The Partners to create a national park at Pullman will be hosting an "Advocacy & Messaging Workshop" for groups dedicated to building stronger organizations and communities. The workshop, presented by staff from the National Parks Conservation Association, will provide practical information on working with elected officials, promoting local causes, (including designation of Chicago's first national park), crafting good messages for the media and amplifying your news in social media. Please join the Pullman Partners and local community groups for this great advocacy and messaging workshop.

Refreshments will be provided. 

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to LeAaron Foley (lfoley@npca.org) no later than June 2nd. 

Chicago Guided Growth Summit

Join DonorPath for a presentation on the new fundraising technology being used by a growing number of small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations in the Chicago area. Learn how Executive Directors and Development Directors are raising more money from boards, individuals, corporations, foundations or special events without increasing operational expenses.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Claudia Cassidy Theater
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
FREE
Register

Agenda
8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. - Registration and Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Keynote by Sean Knierim, Chief of Staff at John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Speakers: Elizabeth Schwan-Rosenwald, Executive Director at Taproot Foundation; Kara Kennedy, Executive Director at Lumity; Brian Lauterbach, Founder of DonorPath.
Coffee Break
10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Customized fundraising strategy sessions

About DonorPath: DonorPath was created with the idea that every nonprofit organization could use a little more insight into their fundraising operation. We are creating a community of nonprofits in Chicago interested  in using technology and the power of analytics to simply and scale their development work. DonorPath is a fundraising intelligence engine that enables nonprofits of any size to visualize their data and connect with a development expert in their field to create insights that increase fundraising results.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

FREE Nonprofit Technology Training: Crowdfunding

Are you interested in learning more about crowdfunding and how your nonprofit can use this platform to raise funds? Join HandsOn Tech and Groupon for their Crownfunding for Nonprofits event. The session will cover several crowdfunding platforms including Crowdrise, Start Some Good, Razoo, and Groupon Grassroots. You'll also learn the benefits and challenges of crowdfunding for nonprofits. Attendees will leave the training with ideas for promotional tactics and best practices for crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding for Nonprofits
June 12th, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Groupon: Corky Romano Room
600 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60654
Register here

Opportunity for Dance Companies

Chicago and surrounding area dance companies and choreographers, Pentacle announces the fifth cycle of HELP DESK! Participate in Help Desk and build a stable foundation that will enable you to do what you love the most ... Create and Present Dance!

July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014
Proposals now being accepted
Deadline May 31, 2013

Through Help Desk, Pentacle works with a limited number of artists/companies, pairing each of them with a highly experienced arts administrator in a guided mentorship that focuses on strategic planning, guidance and infrastructure support. The mentorship is personal and unique to each participant. Help Desk challenges artists/companies to measure whether text-book solutions really are the answer, or where they should use them as a starting point for the creation of an organizational system designed for their particular need. To learn more about help desk click here.

The fee for first year participation during the 2013-2014 Cycle of Help Desk is $600. That comes to only $50/month. Fees are based on the number of years participants remain in the program.

Proposal must be submitted along with the following information by May 31, 2013
- Description of your organization that describes the mission of the organization, the current artistic vision of the organization, and the administrative structure of the organization.
- A description of the goals for your organization.
-What you hope to accomplish by participating in Help Desk.
A copy of your most recent IRS From 990. If you are unincorporated, please submit a financial statement that most accurately reflects your professional artistic activities for the most recently completed calendar or fiscal year.
- A link to or DVD of your most recent work.
- Any marketing materials you might have related to your work or company.

Proposals should be sent via e-mail, fax, or snail mail, to:
Angela Luem, Help Desk Program Coordinator
Pentacle
1332 W 18th Street
4th Flr, #8
Chicago, IL 60608

312.854.3010
helpdeskchicago@pentacle.org
www.pentacle.org


Saturday, May 18, 2013

DanceMoves Showcase!

DanceWorks Chicago is in Germany for two performances, returning just in time to celebrate our 6th birthday on May 23. Join us for our DanceMoves Showcase in Szold Hall of Old Town School of Folk Music at 7pm on the 23rd.