Time to Help Out

helping_handsAs this Kingston Daily Freeman article says, the recession is taking a big toll on the arts community — many of whom work as non-profits.

At issue is a double whammy on the revenue-generating ability of non-profits: consumers are tapped out and not spending as much on the arts while the larger foundations — stressed by a steep erosion in the stock market — have less money to give.

At a recent bring-your-own lunch meeting with several non-profits in the environmental conservation sector, the topic of fundraising is a sensitive topic. There’s simply less of it. And by some forecasts, the percentage of non-profits in the U.S. that are expected to fail in the next two years is 20 percent. This includes non-profits that serve in the environmental conservation, arts, health services and social service sectors.

What can you do? Whatever you can. A little bit can go a long way. And it doesn’t have to be giving money. Give your time. Lend a hand.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz

1 thought on “Time to Help Out”

  1. Meanwhile, we all know that the arts bring in revenue to communities like ours far beyond what is spent directly to support them (in grants, ticket sales, etc. ) Lots of non-arts-related businesses — that are also struggling now — benefit. Restaurants. Parking lots. Retail establishments. So you make a good case for enlightened self-interest, too!

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