HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2016 - City Arts Commission - Public Comments
Regarding the latest staff report for the Master Plan update 4/14/2016
Dear Arts Commissioners,
I want to give Newport Beach (“CIty”)a deeper understanding about the Arts Master
Plan,only financing arts projects with a specific purpose,and spending less City time
and money on Arts and culture.
1.Have the Foundation hire the proposed Development Manager who
understands a wide range of the Arts and art business and who should be
charged with creating a cultural vision (“Vision”)for the Arts that the City can then
adopt.Everything the City does with reference to the Arts is dependent on
adopting a Vision.The City should take no further action on any Arts projects
until it adopts its Vision.
2.Hire a professional grant writer for additional fundraising.A Development
Manager/Fundraiser will be hard to find and more expensive.Professional
fundraisers are expensive and not very effective.
3.Clean house and restructure the Arts Foundation from the top to bottom
because in 26 years,even though it contributed to the cultural landscape of the
City,it has raised very little money The Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors
should be made up of people who have a passion for the Arts,the financial
wherewithal to donate money themselves,and the friends and connections to
solicit additional funds.(see Laguna Indy article attached about what it takes
TODAY to run a successful nonprofit foundation )
I don’t know if the City controls the Foundation,but it could apply pressure on the
existing members to achieve its goals,or start its own foundation with a committed
Board of Directors.
Sincerely, Michaell Magrutsche
Michaell Magrutsche Creative Consultant 323.596.0845 art@michaellart.com SelfAwareArt.com page 1
Article: Dollars Challenge Board Recruiting
Posted On 22 Mar 2016 by Randy Kraft Laguna Independent
On any weekend in Laguna Beach, familiar faces circulate at charitable events helping
to raise funds. However, as essential and welcome as their contributions are,
nonprofits also require governing boards to satisfy federal requirements for
incorporation and that is no easy task in a small town.
Even more so in Laguna, where 225 nonprofits are registered, according to Dan
Pingaro, executive director of the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, which
manages and dispenses private funds and promotes local charities. To fill the typical
15seat board, the national average reported by philanthropy consultants, would require
3,375 directors, or participation by onethird of local households.
Beyond time and energy, financial commitments expected of board members may be an
obstacle to recruiting new leaders. Nationally, nearly half of nonprofits have what’s
known as a “give or get,” an annual obligation to donate or secure funding at a certain
level, says charity consultant Board Source, and the local nonprofits interviewed have
similar practices.
Beyond annual donations, directors are expected to provide program and fiscal
oversight, join committees, attend events, and serve as ambassadors in the community.
A tall order.
“Only a limited number of people have the time, talent and inclination, and the resources
to serve as board members,” Pingaro said.
Members of the 11person board of Laguna Beach Seniors pay a modest $500 in dues
and are also asked to make a major gift starting at $1,000, said Chris Quilter, president.
At the Community Clinic the commitment is $5,000 annually. In addition, all 18 directors
are required to serve on a committee and to bring guests with them to events.
Michaell Magrutsche Creative Consultant 323.596.0845 art@michaellart.com SelfAwareArt.com page 2
“Another major board responsibility is to grow the board and we ask our members to
bring someone else along for the future,” said George Heed, board president.
As a rule, nominating committees are tasked with identifying potential members. Joe
Hanauer, president of the Laguna Playhouse, said that a wellmanaged process
involves assessing whether a candidate’s interests and financial capability align with the
organization.
“This often occurs through an interview process that precedes an invitation to join,” said
Hanauer.
Hanauer says he personally considers board requests based on his schedule, passion
for the mission, and whether his skill set is beneficial. “If it’s only money, I can contribute
without joining the board; if I join, I want to be active and helpful,” said Hanauer.
Laguna Beach Live!’s 12 trustees and Laguna Dance Festival’s nine commit to $2,500
annually. In contrast, Laguna Art Museum’s 22 board members pledge $10,000,
although that board includes three exofficio members – two artists and a liaison from
City Council, this year Bob Whalen – who are not required to give.
“It’s important everyone gives the same so there is no animosity that some are giving
and some not,” said chair Robert Hayden III. Nevertheless, he contends that matching
board member to mission is crucial. “Recruiting only for money can be a train wreck.”
Board members frequently ante up in other ways: they sponsor or give big at events,
make special needs donations or commit to capital or endowment campaigns.
Dr. Tom Bent, the clinic’s chief operating officer, said that directors have pledged $2
million in legacy gifts, another form of giving crucial for organizational sustainability.
Michaell Magrutsche Creative Consultant 323.596.0845 art@michaellart.com SelfAwareArt.com page 3
At Friendship Shelter, where 19 directors each fulfill a $5,000 give or get, the average
annual gift is twice that, according to Executive Director Dawn Price. However Price
looks beyond the dollars.
“As we add next generation directors, we need to realize their individual giving might be
lower than other members, but their overall influence today and in the future may be
great,” said Price.
Pam Estes, executive director of Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, concurs. She
believes the number of board members depends on where the organization is in its life
cycle.
“We expanded budget and programs really fast in the last five years, so we need to
grow our board, and it can be difficult to recruit,” said Estes.
At SchoolPower, whose mission is to raise funds for local schools, 65 trustees,
comprised largely of couples, contribute $1,500 per family to the annual campaign,
which includes two tickets to the annual gala, and participate in the campaign
callathon. Trustees may designate up to 20 percent of their giving to a teacher or
program.
SchoolPower’s board is younger on average and funds raised directly benefit their
children. As a result, although the organization seeks four to six new members annually,
there is a lot of interest, said Amy Kramer, board president.
“Our goal is to get people to be all in; to contribute and participate,” said Kramer.
Given the challenge to board recruiting, it is no surprise that some philanthropic locals
double up. Gary and Betsy Jenkins, for example, together serve five local nonprofits,
and Joe and Jane Hanauer serve four.
Michaell Magrutsche Creative Consultant 323.596.0845 art@michaellart.com SelfAwareArt.com page 4
“I feel that a board financial requirement is essential to many organizations and also
creates a close bond and commitment to the group,” said Betsy Jenkins, adding that her
decision to join is based totally on her passion for the organization.
Even the most committed directors burn out, or are termed out, so there is always a
need for fresh blood, and even recycled board members bring new ways of thinking to
the team, as well as new funding.
Pingaro said the Community Foundation would be happy to help recruit board
members. “We can help make a match, if we’re asked.”
Randy Kraft is a freelance journalist and novelist, and former nonprofit marketing
professional, and also posts book reviews at www.ocinsite.com.
Michaell Magrutsche Creative Consultant 323.596.0845 art@michaellart.com SelfAwareArt.com page 5