Artsupport Australia April 2009 newsletter

Welcome to the Artsupport Australia e-newsletter

With the global financial crisis and recession research dominating the media, the speculation about its impacts, including on the arts is very topical. Artsupport Australia remains optimistic, and has posted selected articles on its webpages, including those featured below. The Australia Council's CEO Kathy Keele will be speaking at a forum organised by Philanthropy Australia for its members on the effects of the crisis on philanthropy on 14 May - her speech will be posted on our website after the presentation.

During March, Artsupport Australia presented seminars in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, on the outcomes of a survey it commissioned from Pareto Fundraising, on the level of donor care by Australian arts and cultural organisations. Gathering the information incognito, the survey of 25 medium-large arts organisations nationally, provided a valuable snapshot of current practice. The survey is not available for public distribution, but was designed as a tool to stimulate greater awareness of the fundamental importance of donor/and potentially donor “care” in philanthropic fundraising.

The Treasury's recent discussion paper on 'Improving the integrity of Prescribed Private Funds' yielded 137 submissions, including the Australia Council's paper here. A further discussion paper on proposed PPF guidelines is anticipated at the end of April, which may delay the establishment of further PPFs this financial year. Refer to the Philanthropy Australia website for more detailed background and updates here

Resources

Fundraising Databases Review
Any organisation that fundraises and is looking for a new database system will find this publication from Saints International (NZ) very helpful. Providing a comprehensive review of seven database systems available in Australia and New Zealand, (the next edition will feature Tessitura), the 83-page reference is a very practical guide, covering the many considerations and processes involved. The cost of $525 ex GST includes customized follow-up support through the process. Visit here 

Myer Foundation - Arts and Humanities Small Grants Program revisions
The Myer Foundation is revising the process for its Arts and Humanities Small Grants Program. This includes a new application form which will be available on its website from Monday 4 May. The Program closing dates for 2009 applications are 16 July and 14 October. Visit here

Google grants
Google Grants is a unique in-kind donation program that awards free AdWords advertising to selected charitable organisations. It supports organisations that share their philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy and the arts. For more information visit here

VECTOR Leadership
Recognising that not-for-profits are less able to pay for important management tools, VECTOR Leadership is offering organisations in the charitable, educational, research, cultural sectors its on-line leadership development tools and resources for free. Created by Dr Timothy Pascoe AM, the framework draws on his extensive experiences and exposure to leaders in local, national and global organisations. The service includes a weekly bulletin, a leadership problem solver, and action planning tool. It is suitable for senior executives and CEOs of small-medium companies. For more information refer here and for a permanent free coupon, email technical manager Langdon Stevenson here

On-line Charity & Not-For-Profit Resources Centre
Sydney based law firm Makinson & d'Apice Lawyers have established an on-line Charity & Not-For-Profit Resources Centre that brings together useful links on legal, tax and governance matters. Visit here

Givewell Australian Charities Financial Analysis 2009
Givewell, the Australian-based charity researcher and philanthropy consultancy, released its annual analysis of nonprofit funding trends for 2007-8, which was exclusively presented at Givewell’s Nonprofit Finance Forums in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in March. We are grateful that Givewell has provided the information for your reference here. Forums will also be held in Adelaide and Perth in October this year. Visit here

Philanthropy UK Newsletter
Among the best e-newsletters covering philanthropic issues from the UK is Philanthropy UK. To subscribe visit here

A glimpse at the gay and lesbian donor
A recent study by the Institute of Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies (US) indicates that gay and lesbian donors give more of their personal income than the general population. Visit here

Karma Currency
The Karma Currency Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to revitalize the philanthropic landscape in Australia. Its innovative on-line gift voucher program currently benefits over 100 Australian charities on its register. Gift vouchers of a selected value can be purchased on-line, entitling the recipient to choose a charity to the value of the voucher or greater (the latter at their own expense). Alternatively, a gift register can be established for a special occasion, where a charity is selected for your well-wishers to contribute to. The current register lists a handful of arts/culture organisations, including The Song Room and the Yirra Yaakin Aboriginal Corporation. The vouchers are an inventive option for corporate and personal gifts. Visit here

Sharegift Australia
Donating parcels of shares to charities has been made possible by Sharegift Australia who have developed an online portal for this service. Shares can be transferred to Sharegift Australia who sell them for no fee, and donate the proceeds to registered charities, which includes the Sydney Dance Company and Opera Australia. Visit here

New offers from Donortec
We have previously promoted Donortec, but it is worth mentioning that it has recently expanded its range of partners and products. This is good news for the not for profit sector who will benefit from the expanded range of computer-based offers. This includes discounted software to tackle event bookings, press releases and Pro Accounts with flickr. Visit here

Pro Bono Australia - Suppliers Guide
Pro Bono Australia has launched a new resource for not for profit community-based organisations, providing a list of recommended products and suppliers. The guide includes services such as fundraising, technology, events and conferences, marketing and office supplies. Your own recommendations are invited. For more information refer here

The Global Financial Crisis - Tips and Tools

Managing the Downturn
Following a recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers (UK) of UK charities' response to the financial crisis (click here) we encourage you to participate in a local equivalent - run by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Fundraising Institute Australia and the Centre for Social Impact. This will be the first comprehensive research on the effect of the economic downturn on Australian charities and nonprofit organisations.

The 'Managing the Downturn' survey will assess the projected changes in fundraising and other income streams resulting from the economic downturn to help policy makers and charities make informed planning decisions. In Australia, early indications are that charities are anticipating a drop in their donations and have begun to reduce the number of services offered.

To participate in the survey, click here. Each participant will receive a copy of the report, which is due for release in mid-June. The survey closes on Monday 4 May 2009. For more information, please contact Marianne Ramsay on mramsay@fia.org.au.

Appreciation
Paul Lagasse proposes that 'stewarding loyal supporters can raise donor confidence and help your organization weather the economic storm'. Visit here

The Right Connection
Mary Ellen Collins believes donor recognition can be a strategic tool to build stronger relationships. Visit here

Concentric concerns: The Art of Administrative Collaboration
An innovative pilot project involving three US arts organisations collaborating over three-years 'to reduce overheads, increase income and preserve/expand artistic mission in turbulent times' may be of interest. Visit here

Conference Board report
A survey of 158 major US companies in February 2009 has revealed some important trends in their giving plans. Corporate sponsorship will see the largest decrease of 55 percent, while volunteering will increase by 45 percent. On a sector basis, the arts was planned to suffer the greatest drop of 41 percent. Visit here

How can the cultural sector survive the financial crisis?
Academic Helmut K Anheier has written a considered response to the financial crisis, with strategic tips for long-term survival. Visit here

Highlights of Foundation Giving Trends
A comprehensive publication providing a detailed analysis of US giving trends in 2007 is now available from the US Foundation Center, with selected key findings. Visit here

Do foundation giving priorities change in times of economic distress?
Examining the giving trends of US foundations during the downturn of the 2000s suggests that overall grantmaking priorities do not shift in the face of reduced resources. Visit here

Events and opportunities

Australia business arts Foundation events

2009 Australia Business Arts Foundation Awards - closing date 14 May 

AbaF Giving Award
For arts and cultural organisations with giving programs eg annual campaigns, patron programs, bequest programs, and projects supported by foundations. The 2008 winner was the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) for their annual giving program. Involved in that program was WASO's James Boyd Executive Manager of Corporate Development, who is now Artsupport Australia's WA Manager. For more information about applying for the awards visit here   
 
Goldman Sachs JBWere Philanthropy Leadership Award
For an individual, family, group, foundation or other entity that has encouraged increased philanthropic giving to Australia's cultural life. 2008 winner was Robert Albert AO. For more information visit here

Australia Cultural Fund Information Sessions
Free two-hour information sessions for individual artists and small arts organisations without Deductible Gift Recipient status who are interested in attracting tax-deductible donations to support their work, will be presented on:
• 28 April Katherine Training Centre, NT
• 1 May NAB Darwin Boardroom, Darwin, NT
• 7 May Australia Council for the Arts, Sydney
Visit here

Increasing private giving: strategies for arts leaders workshop - Adelaide 5 May 
This half day workshop will provide a practical framework for indentifying, cultivating and soliciting support from prospective major donors. It will explore the role of the Board, CEO and other executives - as well as that of the fundraiser in developing and managing rewarding relationships with your supporters. Board members from arts organisations are encouraged to attend this workshop. Chief executive officers, general managers, senior executives can also attend with a board member. Note: We can highly recommend this event. Presenter Frankie Airey, has mentored the Sydney Dance Company and Western Australian Symphony Orchestra as part of the Australia Council’s Major Performing Arts Board’s Philanthropy Mentoring Program. Visit here

Effective Annual Giving - Perth, 12 May
This half-day workshop will focus what you need to do to research, develop and review a program which expands your donor support base and brings in regular income from individual donors. Suitable for staff and board members responsible for raising donations for arts organisations, preferably with deductible gift recipient (DRG) status. Prequisite: Have participated in AbaF's Building Relationships and Securing Donations workshop or some experience in managing fundraising programs. This workshop will be presented by Kenneth Park. Visit here

Building Relationships and Securing Donations - Canberra, 26 May
This full-day workshop will help you develop strategies to connect with your supporters, secure donations and build a giving program. This workshop will provide you with practical tools to understand your donor's motivations, increase their commitment and cultivate your relationships with them. Suitable for not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, board members, chief executive officers, general managers, development and marketing team members. Visit here

Other events

Madison Down Under 2009 - Barossa Valley, SA, 15-18 August
The Fundraising Institute of Australia's intensive four-day residential education program for fundraising professionals in the not-for-profit sector will take place 15-18 August at the Novotel in the Barossa Valley, SA. Aimed at fundraising, development and marketing staff, CEOs. Artsupport Australia staff have attended past years and can recommend attendance for intense exposure to fundraising practices and professionals from Australia and overseas. Visit here

CASE - Innovations in Annual Giving - Sydney, 26 May
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), a US-based international membership organisation, will be presenting a full-day session for development professionals on innovations in annual giving, featuring US and Australian speakers. Visit here

Centre for Social Impact executive workshops
Executive workshops on offer for leaders and managers from the not-for-profit sector include: Impact Mapping -Social return on Investment -5 May in Sydney, 7 May in Melbourne. Visit here

Philanthropy Australia - Grant seeker workshop - Melbourne,11 June
A half-day morning workshop will provide an overview on Australian trusts and foundations and the environment in which they operate. Learn how to research potential funding sources. $180 per person. Visit here

Contact us

We are always interested in any material, ideas or experiences that will advance philanthropic fundraising in Australia.
 
Also, let us know if you have any specific needs that we could help you address.

Louise Walsh director
Ivana Jirasek coordinator
Elizabeth Swinburn administrator
Gillian Harrison Northern Territory manager
Kathy Davis Queensland manager
James Boyd  West Australian manager