Are you thinking about starting a nonprofit organization? If you're looking for a way to make a real difference in the community, you may want to consider starting an arts and culture nonprofit. Whether you're interested in spreading arts education or wanting to support local artists, the truth is that the world needs more arts and cultural outreach programs.
With the proper planning and organization, an arts nonprofit can empower people of all ages and backgrounds while having a positive and lasting impact on communities. Plus, founders and participants of art nonprofits (from local artists to board members) can enjoy opportunities for growth.
Of course, getting an arts nonprofit off the ground isn't something you can do overnight. By having a clear understanding of what you're getting into and how to overcome some common challenges, you'll be in a better position to get the ball rolling.
Rewards of Starting a Nonprofit
Though starting a nonprofit organization requires hard work, there are many potential benefits of putting in the effort. Above all else, starting a nonprofit allows you to do your part in making a true difference in the world. Whether your organization offers community arts programs, literature studies, courses, or other cultural events, a nonprofit in arts and culture offers empowerment in the form of an artistic voice for the community.
Empowerment Through the Arts
What does art philanthropy look like? For many nonprofits in this realm, it means giving an artistic voice and creative expression to traditionally underrepresented audiences. Consider a nonprofit like Juxtaposition Arts, a teen-focused art and design center and studio in North Minneapolis. This organization's mission focuses on "engaging and employing young urban artists in hands-on education initiatives that create pathways to self-sufficiency while actualizing creative power."
This nonprofit works to amplify the artistic voices of an underrepresented community, providing arts therapy, creative expression, and empowerment. For more than two decades, Juxtaposition Arts has mentored artists in the North Minneapolis area and supported the next generation of artists. This is just one example of the many ways in which an arts nonprofit can empower those they serve.
Impact on Communities
Nonprofit organizations in arts and culture can have a direct and lasting impact on local communities. Cultural studies have found a sort of "ripple effect" that occurs when arts and culture nonprofits take root in communities. As local artists find success through their services, they can garner support from other members of the community, which may also include larger businesses and corporations.
In addition to economic advantages to local communities, arts nonprofits offer social and educational benefits to artists and participants. From community arts programs that provide a safe space for creativity to art festivals and workshops that offer artistic courses and education, arts nonprofits can bring a lot to the table.
Growth Opportunities for Founders and Participants
Likewise, those involved in arts nonprofits also stand to grow from the experience. For the founder of a successful arts nonprofit, career advancement and invitations to collaborate on other projects may be just around the corner. For other participants (artists, instructors, and other members), getting started at a nonprofit can be an excellent way to build a stronger reputation and presence in the community.
Steps to Starting an Arts and Culture Nonprofit
Not sure where to begin? No two journeys will look exactly alike, but here are some steps you'll definitely need to take before getting started.
1. Set Goals and Objectives
First and foremost, consider your ultimate goal, mission, and objective in starting an arts nonprofit. If you had to choose one cause around which to center your organization, what would it be? For example, if you're focused on improving arts education among youth, you might launch a nonprofit that offers free art classes and workshops to different age groups. If you desire to empower artists, then a nonprofit that forms artistic collaborations or otherwise supports local artists may be the right path.
Regardless, you won't be able to take the next steps in launching a nonprofit without knowing your goals and objectives—so start there.
2. Build a Network
Next, it's time to start networking with others who may share your same interests and goals. Once you have defined your purpose and objectives, you can figure out what sets you apart from other nonprofits that may already exist in the space. Additionally, this will help you narrow down the potential types of people or advocates with whom you want to work. Remember, too, that you need to set up a board of directors before you can seek nonprofit registration—so it's essential to designate the members of your board and choose them wisely.
3. Get Incorporated
Being incorporated as registered as a nonprofit is important, as this is what allows you to apply for and receive art grants and funding (which is ultimately what will keep your organization going). The process of getting incorporated can be complex and requires a considerable amount of paperwork. If your organization is based in the United States, this process would also involve applying for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
As a nonprofit, you may want to seek 501(c)(3) certification too, which would designate your organization as tax-exempt while allowing you to receive tax-deductible donations. Being certified can also give your organization a little more authenticity, which could make a big difference when you're just starting out. As an interim step, you could consider becoming a fiscally sponsored project of another nonprofit, which allows many of the benefits of becoming a 501(c)(3) with less paperwork. Saint Paul-based Springboard for the Arts, for example, has a robust fiscal sponsorship program.
4. Explore Fundraising Opportunities
Another key step to take as you prepare to launch your arts nonprofit is creating a fundraising strategy. At the end of the day, you won't be able to fully advance your mission if you don't have the funds to get started.
Fortunately, there are plenty of creative fundraising options to consider in the arts and culture arena. Whether organizing art auctions or applying for grants and seeking funding from local businesses, you'll want to explore your options and create a plan that works for your organization's needs.
Many arts nonprofits in the early stages use platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe to get their projects off the ground. However, it's crucial to understand that not all the funds donated to these platforms always make it directly to your nonprofit. Instead, explore other nonprofit management tools and fundraising platforms that will allow you to collect 100 percent of the funds donated to your cause. Also, don't be afraid to get creative with your fundraising efforts!
Luckily, Minnesota has one of the country’s highest per-capita art funding rates.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
Running an arts nonprofit can be highly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. There are a few specific obstacles you'll want to know about as you prepare to launch your nonprofit.
Gaining Visibility
The hardest part for many new nonprofits is simply getting the ball rolling. It's one thing to write it all out on paper—but actually executing each step can be a struggle. Even once you've gotten registered, incorporated, and 501(c)(3) certified, you'll need to spread the word about your organization and its mission.
This is where social media and other digital marketing efforts can make a big difference. Create strategies for getting the word out about your cause and what your organization can offer the local community. Word-of-mouth advertising can be effective, but it will only get you so far in the early days.
Adapting to Change
Things move and change quickly when you're running an arts nonprofit, so resiliency and quick adaptability will pay off in the long run. When you encounter an obstacle or setback, look for ways to overcome it and grow stronger rather than allowing yourself to feel defeated. This is what sets the most successful organizations apart from the rest.
Learn More Today
As you can see, a lot goes into launching and running a successful nonprofit in arts and culture. It takes more than a philanthropic heart and dedication to cultural representation to make a sincere and lasting difference.
The good news? The right educational background could set you up for success. At the University of Minnesota, we're proud to offer a Master of Professional Studies in Arts and Cultural Leadership program that helps prepare you to become a creative force in the cultural landscape. This self-curated, career-focused program comprises 30 credit hours and takes an average of just two to three years to complete.
Want to learn more about this or any other programs offered at the University of Minnesota College of Continuing & Professional Studies? Request more information, connect with an academic advisor, or get started with your online application today.
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