Strategies for success and sustainability
For small non-profits with limited capacity, it is essential to think strategically, adapt quickly, and build sustainable operations. Many of these organizations may not have the staff or infrastructure to support day-to-day administrative needs, yet the work they do is vital to the overall arts ecosystem. They often work with communities and populations that are otherwise underserved, providing critical access through scholarship programs and inclusive artistic opportunities.
In many cases, artistic founding directors also need additional support to navigate operations, professional training, and organizational development. Through the ARPA Sustainability Program, we intentionally sought organizations with limited capacity but significant community impact, strong artistic vision, and deep passion for their work.
We identified seven organizations: Shared Radiance Performing Arts Company, Casa Azul of Greensboro, Royal Expressions Contemporary Ballet, Piedmont Blues Preservation Society, TAB Arts Center Non Profit, Strange Fruit Foundation, and JOYEMOVEMENT.
Over the past three years these organizations have participated in a cohort model designed to strengthen their leadership, sustainability, and long-term growth within the arts sector. The program focuses on several key drivers of organizational success, including: mission, money, and alignment; strategic financial decision-making; storytelling through data and numbers; nonprofit board recruitment and retention; program design and execution; and presenting impact with confidence through compelling narrative development.
Together, developing this focus helps these critical organizations better understand their roles as economic drivers within their communities while building the operational knowledge, confidence, and capacity needed to thrive and grow sustainably.
