How Business Volunteers for the Arts Works

CAGW member organizations apply for Business Volunteers for the Arts services, and the project is defined via a needs assessment process by Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington staff.

Following a review of the needs assessment, the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington identifies a professional on the Business Volunteers for the Arts Consultant membership roster who could best serve the arts organization. The selection is based on the professional's expertise, interest, and availability.

Once identified, CAGW staff brings the business consultant together with selected staff and/or board from the organization for a project engagement meeting. At that time the project definition is established, along with components, benchmarks, and timelines for completion. The business professional and arts organization staff are then on their way to a successful engagement. CAGW staff remains available to assist the volunteer and arts organization staff as needed.

Business Volunteers for the Arts Projects

Using Business Volunteers for the Arts Services

The Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington provides Business Volunteers for the Arts assistance to its member organizations with budgets up to $19,000,000. Organizations may apply at any time during the year as service is provided on a rolling basis.

CAGW matches qualifying member organizations with a Business Volunteers for the Arts Consultant member who provides pro-bono consulting services in the areas shown below. As with any consultancy engagement, the staff of the organization must be prepared to commit the necessary time and, when necessary, financial resources to the project.

Accounting and Finance

• Accounting systems/procedures
• Budgeting and cash flow management
• Financial analysis/planning

Computer/Information Systems

• Website planning
• Hardware/software needs assessment

Human Resources

• Management/Administration
• Job description development
• Work efficiency assessment
• Personnel policies and procedures

Marketing

• Marketing plan development
• Advertising and branding campaigns
• Public relations

Organizational Development

• Strategic planning
• Structure and management
• Retreat/Meeting facilitation
• Board development

The Business Volunteers for the Arts program does not provide audits, direct financial assistance, fundraising professionals, individual artist consultations, non-management tasks (ushering, mailings, etc), operating staff, permanent volunteers, or board members.

APPLY FOR SERVICES

If your organization could benefit from Business Volunteers for the Arts services, compile the application materials listed below and mail to:

Business Volunteers for the Arts Program Director
Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington
975 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

If you are dropping off the application, please come to our offices at
923 F Street NW #303
Washington, DC 20004

Upon receipt and review, the Business Volunteers for the Arts Program Director will contact you to arrange a project assessment meeting with your staff and/or board members who will be working on the project.

Application Materials

• Articles of incorporation and bylaws
• Mission statement and description of programs
• Sample grant proposal and fundraising package
• General information brochure, press articles, reviews, etc.
• Financial statement or audit for last complete fiscal year
• Current operating budget
• List of board members and their affiliations
• List of staff members and their titles
• IRS determination letter granting 501 (c)(3) status
• Most recent strategic, business, or operating plan
• Sample grant proposal
• Narrative description of the Business Volunteers for the Arts project including contact/lead person for the project
• Signed approval indicating your board of directors has approved your request for Business Volunteers for the Arts assistance

If you have questions about the Business Volunteers for the Arts program, please contact the Business Volunteers for the Arts Program Director.

Becoming a Business Volunteers for the Arts Consultant

If you are seeking an opportunity to benefit an emerging or small arts organization by channeling your professional talent, expertise, and experience, the Business Volunteers for the Arts program is for you. As a Business Volunteers for the Arts Consultant member, you will:

• gain the satisfaction of knowing your services help arts organizations to thrive and grow;
• network with other business professionals in the program; and
• develop meaningful and lasting associations with people in the arts.

To join CAGW as a Business Volunteer for the Arts Consultant, you must have a minimum of three years professional-level experience in your field. Here is the simple process:

1. Send your professional resume to the Business Volunteers for the Arts Program Director.
2. The Program Director will arrange a phone interview with you to discuss your professional experience and interest in the arts.
3. Upon acceptance into the program, you pay a $95 annual membership fee that entitles you to numerous benefits.
4. You attend an orientation program that will familiarize you with the key components of non-profit arts management and the art of effective consulting in a mission-based environment. The evening orientation, which includes dinner, introduces new consultants to arts leaders and veteran consultants. New consultants also hear first-hand case studies and have the opportunity to network with other professionals who share a passion for the arts.
5. Once you are selected for a project, a structured process is followed to complete it. Your work is done "after hours" at a pace determined by you and the arts organization.

To get an idea of some Business Volunteers for the Arts successes with local arts organizations, review these current and past Business Volunteers for the Arts projects.

BENEFITS FOR CONSULTANT MEMBERS

The Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington wants to encourage and develop professionals to become Business Volunteers for the Arts Consultants. In that spirit, CAGW offers Business Volunteers for the Arts Consultant members these benefits:

• Opportunities to engage in pro-bono consulting projects with the region's emerging, small, and mid-sized arts organizations
  

• Orientation at The Arts Club, including dinner
  

• One ticket to the Arts and Business Celebration (valued at $55)
  

• Complimentary tickets to performances at area venues throughout the year
  

• A pair of tickets to each of the four Cultural Alliance Member Receptions held annually (valued at $90)
  

• Free subscription to our monthly CAGW E-news
  
  

To become a Business Volunteers for the Arts Consultant member, send your resume or C.V. to the Business Volunteers for the Arts Program Director.

Business Volunteers for the Arts®/Washington is an affiliate program of the Americans for the Arts & Business Council.