Philanthropic practice

Recently, while sitting in a coffee shop in Chicago, I overheard a language that sounded familiar. Being a folklorist I'm sensitive to occupational language. You can blindfold me in front of conversations of cowboys or farmers and I will be able to pick out a number of things that distinguish their talk. And having a private language is not bad, it's a reality.

2003, 38 pages. Meet the Composer, 75 Ninth Avenue, Floor 3R Suite C, New York, NY 10011, (212) 645-6949; Ken Gallo, Communications Manager, kgallo@meetthecomposer.org

The Broad Art Foundation, based in Santa Monica, California, was founded by philanthropists Edythe and Eli Broad in 1984 to encourage and strengthen a greater public appreciation of contemporary visual art. Under the leadership of director and curator Joanne Heyler, the foundation operates as an educational and lending source for the nearly 800 art works in its collection, rather than as a standard grantmaking program.

2003, 86 pages. $40 nonmembers; 1 copy free with membership. Association of Small Foundations, www.smallfoundations.org

Do you want to start a foundation? Full of practical advice, The New Foundation Guidebook is a good place to start. This book concisely describes how to establish and operate a foundation by adapting articles from pertinent experts. It is easy to skim as essential points are highlighted with bullet points.

When the Council on Foundations meets in Toronto this April, GIA members in attendance will have the chance to meet a fledgling affinity group of Canadian arts funders that is putting together the 1st Canadian Arts Funders Forum.

The Animating Democracy National Exchange on Art and Civic Dialogue
Flint, Michigan, October 9-12, 2003

2002, 30 pages, Cultural Initiatives Silicon Valley. To order a copy, contact Brendan Rawson, brendan@ci-sv.org or 408-283-8506

2003, 336 pages, Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer, 989 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

The Eiteljorg Fellowship for Native American Fine Art is a biennial program honoring five Native American fine artists with unrestricted awards of $20,000. The fellowship program was launched in 1999 by the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Museum staff implements the program under the direction of Jennifer Complo McNutt, curator of contemporary art.

One of the fastest growing affinity groups in philanthropy, the Association of Small Foundations serves trustees, staff, and consultants working with "foundations with few or no staff." Most of its members have assets of $50 million or less, and many of them depend on consulting groups to manage investments and assist with grantmaking. These consultants were well-represented at the conference as speakers, exhibitors, and general participants. As of August 2002, the Association had 2,801 members with assets totaling $47.8 billion.