Bloomberg Philanthropies To Invest $30 Million In Arts And Cultural Organizations In Six Cities Nationwide

NEW YORK, April 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Philanthropies today announced the nationwide expansion of the Arts Innovation and Management (AIM) program, formerly known as the Arts Advancement Initiative. The invitation-only program seeks to strengthen nearly 300 small- and mid-sized organizations within six cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Through the two-year initiative, Bloomberg Philanthropies will offer $30 million of unrestricted general operating support. It will also include arts management training in fundraising, audience development and board member engagement.

"Nonprofit arts groups do so much to help cities thrive, but they often face major funding challenges. Effective management and fundraising practices are absolutely critical for arts organizations, especially those with small budgets," said Michael R. Bloomberg. "These grants will help arts groups make the most of their resources, reach more people, and have an even bigger impact on their communities."

Piloted in New York City, Bloomberg Philanthropies supported 245 grantees through AIM from 2011-2013. Participating organizations reported improvements in audience development, board engagement and fundraising over the two-year program:

• Audience development: 79% reached new audiences through targeted marketing campaigns and social media.

• Board engagement: 95% improved board member engagement by adding new members and/or increasing board giving.

• Fundraising: 88% leveraged the grant to secure new contributions from donors.

All organizations invited to participate are locally or internationally recognized nonprofits that have been in existence for at least two years. Grantees will be required to secure matching funds; reach 100% board participation in fundraising; and maintain up-to-date information in the Cultural Data Project, an online financial management tool that assists arts organizations across the country to collect, learn from, and use data effectively. The grants will be unrestricted so that recipients can use them to address their greatest needs. Invitation letters are being distributed to organizations beginning today.

Bloomberg Philanthropies will partner with the DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland to develop curricula and conduct trainings for the AIM program in each city. The comprehensive workshops will engage organizations around activities that strengthen their long-term health and goals and will include consultations and implementation support for arts managers and their boards.

About the DeVos Institute of Arts Management
The DeVos Institute has served more than 1,000 organizations from over 80 countries since Michael M. Kaiser founded it during his tenure as President of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The Institute has designed its services to assist a wide range of institutions, from traditional performing and presenting organizations, museums and galleries, arts schools and libraries, to botanical gardens, glass-making studios, public art trusts, and non-profit cinemas, to name a few. The DeVos Institute transferred its activities and offices from the Kennedy Center to the University of Maryland in September 2014. The move enables the Institute to expand its global training and consulting programs, enhance its fellowships for North American and international arts managers within the context of a major educational institution, and create a Master's program that leverages both University and Institute resources.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies 
Bloomberg Philanthropies' mission is to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: Public Health, Environment, Education, Government Innovation and the Arts. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's charitable activities, including his foundation and his personal giving. In 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $462 million. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @BloombergDotOrg.

SOURCE Bloomberg Philanthropies