Springboard

In challenging times... take the challenge. Build a stronger, more resilient organization.

Springboard, a capacity building program for small and mid-sized arts organization, is designed to help your organization reach the next level of success.

Springboard was developed by Executive Service Corps (ESC) in cooperation with Claudia Bach of AdvisArts.  Working with an ESC organizational development consultant, participating organizations will identify and address issues like improving business operations, increasing revenues, building audiences, and strengthening governance. 

Learn from local arts experts and from your peers in this cohort-based program. ESC will provide tools to address common organizational needs and ESC consultants will work with a team from your organization to develop your plan for moving forward.

Springboard is now accepting applications for February 2009. Your organizational plan will be completed in July. ESC will provide follow-up to help you sustain implementation of the plan for a full year, including the opportunity to continue to learn from your peers. A maximum of eight organizations will be accepted for the inaugural year. Program fees for the program are on a sliding scale and start at only $500, thanks to the support of our funders. 

Eligibility:

Springboard is designed for arts & cultural organizations presenting and producing in the following disciplines: music, theatre, dance, inter/multidisciplinary, visual, media, and literary.  The program is targeted to small and midsized organizations whose leadership is committed to taking their organization to the next level.  To be eligible the organization should be a not-for-profit organization, generally with 501(c)(3) status, and should have:

• a minimum of three years of operating history

• a board or other governing structure that meets regularly

• at least three staff

• an operating budget of at least $200,000 and no more than $1.5 million

Carve out time from day-to-day pressures to insure that your organization is ready to succeed in the future.

How to Apply:

•  Call ESC at 206-682-6704 to discuss eligibility and to receive application materials. 

• Applications are due on December 18, 2008.  Participants will be notified mid-January and the program will start at the end of February.

In addition to the Springboard program ESC provides a consulting services related to human resources, planning, board development and marketing. ESC can also conduct staff, board and community surveys, provide retreat design and facilitation, leadership coaching, and customized training. ESC’s Financial Fitness for Nonprofits includes an assessment of financial systems, customized training for boards and EDs and a set of model financial policies and procedures. ESC also provides a contracted bookkeeping service.

Funding for the Springboard Programs has been provided by 4Culture, the Nesholm Family Foundation, The Boeing Company, and the Seattle Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs.