“You Have to Actually Change.” A Major Theater Funder's Quest to Diversify Its Decision-Making

“You Have to Actually Change.” A Major Theater Funder's Quest to Diversify Its Decision-Making

The New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Theater Project has evolved significantly over the last 10 years. We walk through some key takeaways from a report on its work with program director Quita Sullivan.

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“The Time Was Right.” How Three Funders Joined Forces to Simplify the Grant Application Process

“The Time Was Right.” How Three Funders Joined Forces to Simplify the Grant Application Process

The Common App for the Arts, launched by three Bay Area foundations, consolidates each funder’s grants on a single user interface. We look at how it came together, plans for future iterations and more. 

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Funder Spotlight: How the Samuels Foundation Supports the Performing Arts and Healthy Aging

Funder Spotlight: How the Samuels Foundation Supports the Performing Arts and Healthy Aging

The New York City-based Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation supports performing arts organizations and seeks to improve quality of life for older adults. We take a closer look at its history, grantmaking and more.

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Art for Social Change: An Arts Funder's Journey to More Fully Embrace Its Social Justice Mission

Art for Social Change: An Arts Funder's Journey to More Fully Embrace Its Social Justice Mission

Philadelphia’s Leeway Foundation supports women, trans and/or gender-nonconforming artists focused on social change. Executive Director Denise Brown walks us through its evolution, key grantmaking programs and more.

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"Your Agenda Is Making Houston Better." How the Houston Endowment Backs Its Home City

"Your Agenda Is Making Houston Better." How the Houston Endowment Backs Its Home City

We take an on-the-ground look at the Houston Endowment, which has been engaged in local giving for nearly a century. From the arts and parks to successes in reducing homelessness, its influence spans the city.

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Six Questions for Lu Zhang, New Executive Director of A Blade of Grass

Six Questions for Lu Zhang, New Executive Director of A Blade of Grass

A Blade of Grass backs artists whose work advances social change. We checked in with new executive director Lu Zhang to discuss her career trajectory, key priorities in her new role and more.

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Literary Writers Get Peanuts from Philanthropy. With a New Prize, South Arts Is Doing What It Can

Literary Writers Get Peanuts from Philanthropy. With a New Prize, South Arts Is Doing What It Can

With scant funding available for writers, a new literary prizes program from the Atlanta-based South Arts is a refreshing anomaly. The amounts aren’t vast, but this is good to see in a region where writers often struggle.

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Eleven Ways Funders Are Supporting Social Justice Within and Through the Arts

Eleven Ways Funders Are Supporting Social Justice Within and Through the Arts

An increasing number of funders have been looking to spur social change through their arts funding, especially during the pandemic. Here are 11 examples we’ve been following.

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