Graceful Exit: What Can Funders Do When Its Time to Pull the Plug?

Tuesday, October 20, 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Organized by Tommer Peterson, deputy director, Grantmakers in the Arts.

Presented by Cora Mirikitani, president and CEO, Center for Cultural Innovation; Tommer Peterson; Diane Ragsdale, associate program officer, Performing Arts, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Rodney Christopher, vice president, National Customized Services, Nonprofit Finance Fund.

How do you respond when you are reviewing a request from a struggling organization and you realize that this grant could tip the scales one way or the other as to whether the organization survives another season? Are they in denial about their fragility? Are you? Practically and ethically, what can funders do? This session will provide tools for assessing organization’s financial viability and look at ways funders can assist organizations that make the decision to close their doors. Topic will include support for legal and financial aspects of closing a 501(c)(3) corporation; archiving records and papers; rights and ownership of intellectual property; celebration and recognition; reincarnation and the afterlife.

Related Links:

Graceful Exit: Thoughts on End-of-Life Issues for Arts Organizations