Hybrid and Collaborative Capitalization: An Approach for Small and Midsized Arts Organizations

Monday, October 19, 3:45pm – 4:45pm

Organized by Lisa Cremin, Director, Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

Presented by Lisa Cremin, Director, Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund, The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and Terri Theisen, Founder and Principal Organizational Consultant, Theisen Consulting, LLC.

After conducting a financial analysis that revealed that 78% of the Atlanta region’s strongest small/midsized arts groups had less than three months of operating liquidity, the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund launched a capitalization grant program to strengthen the sector’s financial health. This collaborative process promoted capitalization through educating local funders, convening business leaders, building the capacity of local consultants, and training arts groups on financial and business plan development. Grant candidates learned how to make a compelling case – thru a business pitch – for capital support. With three foundation partners, and a year of preparing applicants, the program awarded $540,000 in change and risk capital grants to three organizations. Participants will learn about the approach the Fund took and how it is being evaluated.