Events

Jan
8
Tue
Breakfast Club: Do I Really Need Insurance? @ The Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Jan 8 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago convenes a monthly morning gathering for arts administrators to discuss topics and share ideas relevant to the business of art. Breakfast Club is a dynamic opportunity for arts administrators to connect with one another and collaborate on solutions for navigating personal and industry challenges.

Tuesday, January 8 from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

Do I really need insurance? Yes. Even if I’m a small nonprofit? Still yes. Arts organization are inherently prone to risk. When you bring audiences into your space for a performance or exhibition, engage volunteers to fulfill your end of year appeal mailing, and throw incredible fundraiser events, you create opportunities for personal and financial risk.

Determining the insurance policies that are right for your organization is tricky. Join the conversation at Breakfast Club to connect with peers who are also in search of the best policies. We’ll discuss some best practices to consider and direct you to a policy that suits your needs.

Register for Breakfast Club here. 

Jan
25
Fri
Winter Orientation — Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA) @ The Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

BVA Orientation – January 2019

New business volunteers must attend a BVA Orientation before starting on a project. We offer the BVA Orientation four times a year— winter, spring, summer and fall on Friday afternoons from 2:00 – 5:00 pm in downtown Chicago.

The Winter application deadline is January 11. Apply here.

For more information about the BVA program, click here.

Feb
2
Sat
Board Training: Arts Organization Structures & Board Responsibilities @ The Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Feb 2 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

Presenter: Kristin Larsen, Executive Director, Arts & Business Council of Chicago

Topics include:

  • Structures of arts organizations and their boards—staffing, income, and programming models
  • Life cycle of arts organizations, from the founding board to the working board and the governing board
  • Relationship between the board and staff, and challenges posed by staffing and board transitions

Price: $150

Advance registration is required as space is limited. We will not accept walk-up registrations. For details on registering for this training, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

Feb
5
Tue
Breakfast Club: Advocacy and the Nonprofit Voice @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Feb 5 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago convenes a monthly morning gathering for arts administrators to discuss topics and share ideas relevant to the business of art. Breakfast Club is a dynamic opportunity for arts administrators to connect with one another and collaborate on solutions for navigating personal and industry challenges.

In preparation for Arts Advocacy Day, join us to learn how you can approach your legislators to champion the cultural policy issues that are most important to you and your organization. Jonathan VanderBrug, Policy and Research Director at Arts Alliance Illinois, will join the conversation on how your nonprofit organization can use its voice to advocate for important issues such as the CREATE Act or full-funding for the NEA and the NEH without losing your 501(c)3 status. With the upcoming Chicago Mayoral election, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Tuesday, February 5 from 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.

Register for Breakfast Club here. 

Feb
12
Tue
Headshot Happy Hour @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Feb 12 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

The Arts & Business Council (A&BC) invites you to an evening of cocktails & conversation with The  LinkedIn Professor, Tajuana Ross. Show yourself some love by learning how to create an impressionable LinkedIn profile that stands out! Network with others and get a FREE professional headshot that showcases your personality, builds your personal brand and shows you in your best light!

New year, new YOU, new headshots & libations, too!

Tickets
A&BC Members
 $35
General $50

Registration will close at 12:00pm on February 12, but walk-ups at the event will be accepted!

Get a discount for this event & lots of other great benefits by joining our Membership Program today!

Membership Benefits >>

 

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Feb
13
Wed
On BOARD: Winter Meet the Boards
Feb 13 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Meet the Boards is a networking session for On BOARD candidates and arts organization boards to meet and learn about each other. Attendees discuss the mission and history of the organization, current and upcoming initiatives, and how new board members can contribute to the organization.

Interested organizations must fill out an arts client On BOARD application – the deadline for which is January 11, 2019.

Meet the Boards is by invitation only.

Mar
2
Sat
Board Training: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities; Non-governing Boards @ The Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Mar 2 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

Learning objectives include:

  • Non-governing boards and committees
  • Laws governing nonprofit boards of directors
  • Bylaws
  • The role of the director: responsibilities & restrictions
  • Role of the lawyer on the board
  • Fiduciary duties
  • Conflict of interest
  • Directors & Officers insurance
  • Contracts
  • Strategic Planning

Price: $150

For questions about this training, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

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Mar
12
Tue
Annual Benefit Luncheon | Arts & Business and Capacity: Exemplifying Cultural Equity
Mar 12 @ 11:30 am


Pictured: Xavier Ramey

Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 11:30 a.m.
Blue Cross-Blue Shield Building, 300 E. Randolph St., 30th Floor Event Center

 

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) invites you to Arts & Business and Capacity: Exemplifying Cultural Equity.

The arts sector has a major impact on Chicago’s culture and commerce, supporting thousands of jobs and adding value to our civic lives. But does it truly reflect the people who call our city home? How can we, as individuals and organizations, contribute to Chicago’s vibrancy by lifting up our cultural diversity? Keynote speaker Xavier Ramey, chief executive officer of Justice Informed, joins this year’s luncheon to share why cultural equity should matter to your business, how it benefits the communities we serve, and why Chicago’s success depends on it. Ricardo Gamboa, award-winning artist, activist, and academic, will moderate discussion.

Come discover how the fusion of arts, our demographic composition, and economic development all tell a story about the vibrancy and future of Chicago!

For more information, email info@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312-372-1876, ext. 101.

Proceeds from this event benefit A&BC’s capacity building efforts throughout Chicago.

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago recognizes the generosity and lead sponsorship of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Illinois, MERGE, Segal Consulting, Aon Hewitt, Goodman Theatre, Willis Towers Watson, Boston Consulting Group, the Joffrey Ballet, and Elkay Manufacturing.

Sponsorship Opportunities >>

 

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About Xavier Ramey
Xavier Ramey is the CEO of Justice Informed, LLC, a social impact consulting firm based in Chicago, IL. He is an award-winning social strategist, noted public speaker, and conflict mediator. Combining his background in economics, extensive management and social impact experience, and direct-action campaigning in the Black Lives Matter movement, Xavier leads a company that brings a wealth of experience and network to clients seeking catalyzed strategies for inclusion, philanthropy, CSR, and community engagement. A native Chicagoan, he is a recognizable voice on the topics of community and economic development, policing and policy violence, and connecting the Christian faith to our lived experience.

Xavier served as the lead of the Social Innovation and Philanthropy strategy in the University of Chicago’s Office of Civic Engagement, managed multi-million dollar philanthropic portfolios to stimulate employment, and worked as a nonprofit Director of Development in Chicago’s North Lawndale community. Xavier is a founding member of the #LetUsBreathe Collective, an artist-activist organization committed to addressing State violence against people of color. He is a Board member of Young Chicago Authors, and the newly opened Chicago Center for Arts and Technology.

Mar
23
Sat
Board Training: Fundraising Landscape @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Mar 23 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

Speaker: Charles Katzenmeyer, VP Institutional Advancement, The Field Museum

Learning objectives include:

  • Funding landscape for nonprofit arts organizations and sector-wide trends in giving
  • The role board members play in securing funds
  • How to structure the “ask”
  • Creating a donor cultivation calendar

Price: $150

Advance registration is required as space is limited. We will not accept walk-up registrations.

For questions about this training, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

 

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Apr
13
Sat
Board Training: Nonprofit Finances, Budgeting, & Tax Issues @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Apr 13 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

Speaker: Megan Angle, CPA & Manager, Porte Brown LLC

Learning objectives include:

  • Financial oversight and safeguarding of assets and nonprofit status
  • Policies: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention & destruction, executive compensation, etc.
  • Understanding nonprofit financial statements
  • Taxes including payroll and UBIT
  • Filing with the IRS and other government entities
  • What occurs during an audit and when you need one
  • Managing cash flow

Price: $150

Advance registration is required as space is limited. We will not accept walk-up registrations.

For more information, or accessibility accommodations, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

 

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Apr
20
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: Spring Orientation @ Teamwork Englewood
Apr 20 @ 9:30 am – 12:30 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled professionals with arts and cultural organizations in need of management assistance. Are you ready to join our pro bono consulting program and lend your professional abilities? Apply in time for our next volunteer orientation!

Orientations are offered in the winter, spring, summer and fall. Individuals wishing to join must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to an orientation.

Application Deadline: Friday, April 12. Apply here.

For more information on the BVA program, click here.

Jul
18
Thu
Summer Bash 2019 @ Bridgeport Art Center
Jul 18 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

 

 

Thursday, July 18, 2019, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Bridgeport Art Center
1200 W. 35th Street

 

Summer Bash is BACK!

This year’s festivities will take place at the spectacular Bridgeport Art Center, a working space peppered with artist studios, galleries, and sculpture.

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a summer soundtrack by DJ C (Jake Trussell). Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to sip on cool drinks, enjoy live entertainment from The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Project, peruse a market of local creative enterprises, and mingle with fellow arts supporters – all in support of Chicago’s culture and commerce!

Food truck Tazacos Gourmet Tacos will be on deck with a variety of edible delights for purchase. For those who might find themselves wanting to capture the unforgettable evening, a Vivid Image photobooth awaits! Complimentary après performance sweets are also yours for the taking courtesy of Panache Ganache, culinary creators of decedent urbane cakes and confections.

And just when you think this evening can’t sound any better… The pièce de résistance: UNLIMITED ICED SHANDY, SANGRIA & BEER (brought to you by Marz Community Brewing Co., Aldi’s, and Aloe’$ Truck)!

Summer Bash celebrates the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s work and the many Chicagoans who make it happen. This year’s festivities also support our goal of reaching all 77 of the city’s community areas, by 2020. Grab your tickets and champion the city’s arts!

      

For more information, email info@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312.372.1876, ext. 101.
Proceeds from this event directly benefit the Arts & Business Council of Chicago and the Bridgeport area nonprofits they serve.

Our Partners & Supporters

 

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago recognizes the generosity of Bridgeport Art Center and support from Paul Levy, former A&BC board chair and VP, Prairie Management Corporation.

Parking

 

Open parking is available at Bridgeport Art Center’s north parking lot.

About Bridgeport Art Center

 

The Bridgeport Art Center was established in 2001 and is a visually breathtaking creative home for artists, designers, and working professionals. Located in the former Spiegel Catalog Warehouse, this 500,000 square foot building features high ceilings with wood beams, exposed brick, and large windows with incredible city views.  This raw industrial work space is suitable for inspiration, woodworking, metal design, office spaces, and manufacturing / distribution.

Bridgeport Art Center also boasts two stunning event venues and three curated art galleries.  Our goal is to continually serve as a resource for imaginative minds and to be a home to the emerging and evolving Chicago area art scene.

Jul
27
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: Summer Orientation @ Chicago Public Library – Little Village Branch
Jul 27 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled professionals with arts and cultural organizations in need of management assistance. Are you ready to join our pro bono consulting program and lend your professional abilities? Apply in time for our next volunteer orientation!

Orientations are offered in the winter, spring, summer and fall. Individuals wishing to join must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to an orientation.

Application Deadline: Sunday, July 7. Apply here.

For more information on the BVA program, click here.

Sep
10
Tue
Breakfast Club: Working at the Intersection of “Arts &” @ The Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Sep 10 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

It’s time for a reality check: “art for art’s sake” may be a thing of the past.

Arts and cultural nonprofits (as well as those who fund them) are shifting to uplift social causes in our communities. Organizations working in areas like arts & housing, arts & health, and arts & veterans’ affairs are now leading the way in America and reframing the role of art in our society. But are you prepared for this new funding landscape?

Join Breakfast Club to learn from organizations working in and exploring this new space: the “arts &” intersection.

Who should attend: nonprofit administrators, creative practitioners, board leadership, and artist-activists

Registration: $5
A cereal bar, coffee, and tea will be provided.

For more information, and accessibility accommodations, email Braden Cleary at bcleary@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312.372.1876 ext. 105.

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About Breakfast Club
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago convenes a monthly morning gathering for arts administrators to discuss topics and share ideas relevant to the business of art. Breakfast Club is a dynamic opportunity for arts administrators to connect with one another and collaborate on solutions for navigating personal and industry challenges.

Sep
14
Sat
Board Lab: Arts Organization Structures & Board Responsibilities @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Sep 14 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

Presenter: Kristin Larsen, Executive Director, Arts & Business Council of Chicago

Topics include:

  • Structures of arts and cultural organizations and their boards
  • Life cycle of nonprofit organizations, from the founding board to the working board and the governing board—board governance, staffing and structure, income generation, and programming models
  • Expectations of board contributions of time, talent, and treasure
  • Relationship between the board and staff, and challenges posed by staffing and board transitions

This training also features a panel of an arts administrator leaders and On BOARD alumni.

Price: $150

Advance registration is required as space is limited. We will not accept walk-up registrations. For questions about this training, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

 

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Sep
25
Wed
On BOARD: Fall Meet the Boards
Sep 25 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Meet the Boards is a networking session for On BOARD candidates and arts organization boards to meet and learn about each other. Attendees discuss the mission and history of the organization, current and upcoming initiatives, and how new board members can contribute to the organization.

Interested organizations must fill out an arts client On BOARD application – the deadline for which is August 23, 2019.

Meet the Boards is by invitation only.

Oct
1
Tue
Breakfast Club: Board Coaching @ The Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Oct 1 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Each board of directors is unique; they carry varied skill sets, have different financial capabilities, and possess rare connections to the communities they live and work in. It’s no surprise that cookie-cutter board composition templates or governance best practices don’t always apply!

Experienced board coaches from the Arts & Business Council’s Business Volunteers for the Arts program will join Breakfast Club to provide focused board coaching and facilitate connections between peers on issues like:

  • governance and leadership;
  • creation of new policies;
  • creating cohesive understanding of the organization’s mission;
  • being an ambassador for the organization; and more!

Registration: $5
A cereal bar, coffee, and tea will be provided.

For more information, and accessibility accommodations, email Braden Cleary at bcleary@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312.372.1876 ext. 105.

 

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About Breakfast Club
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago convenes a monthly morning gathering for arts administrators to discuss topics and share ideas relevant to the business of art. Breakfast Club is a dynamic opportunity for arts administrators to connect with one another and collaborate on solutions for navigating personal and industry challenges.

Oct
19
Sat
Board Leadership Lab: Nonprofit Finances, Budgeting, & Tax Issues @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Oct 19 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Presenter: Megan Angle, CPA & Manager, Porte Brown LLC

Learning objectives include:

  • Financial oversight; policy creation and compliance; and safeguarding of assets
    • Policies: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention & destruction, executive compensation, etc.
  • Achieving financial accountability
  • What occurs during an audit and when you need one
  • Managing cash flow
  • Taxes including payroll, UBIT, and changes to GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles)
  • Maintaining nonprofit status through tax compliance – filing with the IRS and other government entities

Price: $150

Advance registration is required as space is limited. We will not accept walk-up registrations.

For questions, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

 

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Nov
5
Tue
Breakfast Club: #GivingTuesday @ The Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Nov 5 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am

#GivingTuesday (December 3, 2019) is a global day of giving to nonprofit organizations and causes that are tackling critical issues and bettering communities all over the world. Arts, cultural, and creative organizations often find great success in their #GivingTuesday campaigns, but it can be hard to break through the noise and effectively tell your story to potential donors. Join Breakfast Club to connect with peers on preparing your campaign, hitting your goals, and setting a plan for continued stewardship for your donors.

Registration: $5
A cereal bar, coffee, and tea will be provided.

For more information, and accessibility accommodations, email Braden Cleary at bcleary@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312.372.1876 ext. 105.

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About Breakfast Club
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago convenes a monthly morning gathering for arts administrators to discuss topics and share ideas relevant to the business of art. Breakfast Club is a dynamic opportunity for arts administrators to connect with one another and collaborate on solutions for navigating personal and industry challenges.

Nov
9
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: Fall Orientation @ Chicago Public Library – Roden Branch
Nov 9 @ 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled Chicagoans with arts, cultural, and creativecommunities in need of management assistance. Are you interested in joining our pro bono consulting program and lending your abilities? Apply!

Application Deadline: Sunday, October 13. Apply here. 

For more information on the BVA program, click here.

Orientations are offered in the winter, spring, summer and fall. Individuals wishing to join BVA must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to attendance. 

Nov
16
Sat
Board Leadership Lab: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities; Non-governing Boards @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Nov 16 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Presenters:
Patricia Marx, Attorney, Quarles & Brady LLP
Cris Beilstein, Consultant

Learning objectives include:

  • Laws governing nonprofit boards of directors
  • The role of the director: responsibilities & restrictions
  • Bylaws
  • Understanding the importance of Directors & Officers insurance
  • Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience
  • Conflict of interest
  • Executive leadership responsibilities
  • Committees and non-governing boards – associate, auxiliary, advisory
  • The importance and process of strategic planning

Price: $150

For questions about this training, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

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Dec
7
Sat
Board Leadership Lab: Fundraising Landscape & Arts Advocacy @ Arts & Business Council of Chicago
Dec 7 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

BOARD MEMBER TRAINING

 

Speakers:
Charles Katzenmeyer, VP Institutional Advancement, The Field Museum
Jonathan VanderBrug, Policy & Research Director, Arts Alliance Illinois

Learning objectives include:

  • Funding landscape for nonprofit organizations and sector-wide trends in giving
  • The role board members play in securing funds
  • Identifying prospects and creating an “ask”
  • Creating a donor cultivation strategy
  • Understanding current cultural policies and advocacy tips and resources

Price: $150

Advance registration is required as space is limited. We will not accept walk-up registrations.

For questions about this training, please contact Noemi Garcia at ngarcia@artsbiz-chicago.org.

 

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Jan
25
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: Winter Orientation @ Chicago Public Library - Back of the Yards Branch, Large Meeting Room
Jan 25 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Business Volunteers for the Arts: Winter Orientation @ Chicago Public Library - Back of the Yards Branch, Large Meeting Room

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled Chicagoans with arts, cultural, and creative communities in need of assistance. Are you interested in joining our pro bono consulting program and lending your abilities? Apply!

Application Deadline: Friday, January 17, 2020. Apply here.

For more information on BVA, click here.

Orientations are offered throughout the year. Individuals wishing to join BVA must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to attendance.

Mar
7
Sat
On BOARD® Lab: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Board Members @ WeWork Monroe
Mar 7 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Topics include:

  • Laws governing nonprofit boards of directors
  • The role of the director: responsibilities & restrictions
  • Bylaws
  • Understanding the importance of Directors & Officers insurance
  • Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, and Duty of Obedience
  • Conflict of interest
  • Executive leadership responsibilities
  • Committees and non-governing boards: associate, auxiliary, advisory
  • The importance and process of strategic planning

Presenters: Braden Cleary / Director, Arts Services / Arts & Business Council of Chicago

Patricia Spiccia Marx / Attorney / Quarels & Brady

Cris Beilstein / Consultant / Elevation Collaborative

Price: $150

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Mar
14
Sat
CANCELLED: Think & Do Tank: South Shore @ South Shore Cultural Center
Mar 14 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS SURROUNDING COVID-19.

 

Saturday, March 14, 2020, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.

Do you need help getting your organization or creative enterprise to the next level? Are you unsure how to grow your business, expand your creative practice, or get things done? Get your business-related questions answered at our next Think & Do Tank!

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) connects skilled Chicagoans with creative people, creative communities, and creative businesses through Think & Do Tanks – half-day business consulting events and resource hubs designed to address the immediate needs of community-based art makers. Through Think & Do Tanks, and guidance from Business Volunteers for the Arts®, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle the questions and challenges of most importance to you.

What Happens at a Think & Do Tank?
Participants engage Business Volunteers for the Arts®—skilled Chicagoans, consultants, and subject matter experts in the areas of business planning, strategic planning, board governance, marketing, communications, human resources, accounting, and more—via one-hour, in-person consulting sessions. You choose your meeting time (1-4 consulting hours, per event) and area of consulting focus. Expect to walk away with actionable advice, concrete recommendations, and the essential knowledge needed to get things done!

Every Think & Do Tank includes community area-specific activities, networking, and a welcoming space for dialogue. A&BC staff will also be on-site to offer advice, connect you with programs, provide referrals, and help you navigate additional service providers.

Get Help In:

  • Concept & Development Planning
  • Board Governance
  • Financial Management
  • Income Generation
  • Audience Development & Marketing
  • Staffing & Structure
  • Facilities
  • And more!

Who Should Attend:

  • Chicago-area artists, creatives, culture-makers, and artist-entrepreneurs;
  • Community groups, collectives, and organizations (whether you’re a nonprofit or not!)
  • South Shore-area residents, organizers, activists, and change agents!

Consultations are free the day of this event. To reserve a meeting time in advance of the event, register here. Open to all. Walk-ins welcome.

For more information, email us at info@artsbiz-chicago.org.

This Think & Do Tank is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU).

About Think & Do Tanks
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) offers Think & Do Tanks as part of the 77 Communities Initiative, a realignment of resources to prioritize supporting creative enterprises in divested communities. These half-day business consulting events and resource hubs, presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU), serve to engage artist-entrepreneurs, creatives, and groups where they are – in community. All Think & Do Tanks are open to the public.

Mar
19
Thu
CANCELLED: Arts & Drafts @ Osito's Tap
Mar 19 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS SURROUNDING COVID-19.

 

Thursday, March 19, 2020, 6 – 8 p.m.
Osito’s Tap, 2553 S. Ridgeway Ave.

What’s better than making new connections, sharing ideas, and having a local beer?

Meet us at Arts & Drafts, a quarterly networking event for Chicago’s arts, cultural, creative, and business communities. Each event brings together a unique mix of people and companies, under one roof, for one night only. If you believe in the power of the arts, want to make a difference in our city, or simply feel like getting to know Chicago a little better, this mixer’s for you!

Arts & Drafts is a casual opportunity to network, expand your circle, meet up with friends, and make new ones. Do you have a question about the Arts & Business Council of Chicago, our 77 Communities Initiative, or Business Volunteers for the Arts? Swing by and get it answered!

FREE to attend and open to all. Come for the networking, stay for the reposado.

For more information, email Kenneth Franco at kfranco@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312.372.1876 ext. 102.

Happy Hour pricing will be available between 6 – 8 p.m.

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Parking

A parking lot can be found next to Osito’s Tap (accessible from Ridgeway). Metered parking can also be found off 26th Street and Ridgeway Avenue.

Special thanks to Osito’s Tap and owner Mike Moreno.

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About Arts & Drafts

Arts & Drafts is a quarterly networking event for Chicago’s arts, cultural, creative, and business communities. Each event brings together a unique mix of people and companies, under one roof, for one night only. The goal: To encourage new partnerships and relationships.

Future Dates:

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
About Osito’s Tap

Osito’s Tap, established in 2019, is a speakeasy-style bar focused on the art of craft spirts, craft beer, and craft cocktails. This community-oriented space, set inside a historic grey stone building, was once the front to an underground bookie joint and, during the early 1900’s, home to a Bohemian bar for Czech immigrants. Today’s incarnation of the bar brings in a modern Latin flair and blend of the Little Village neighborhood’s rich cultural history, giving customers a unique experience filed with exotic and rare drink offerings. Osito’s Tap is a grant recipient of the City of Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund.

Apr
4
Sat
On BOARD® Lab: Nonprofit Finances, Budgeting, & Tax Issues @ Webinar
Apr 4 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Topics include:

  • Financial oversight; policy creation and compliance; and safeguarding of assets
    • Policies: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention & destruction, executive compensation, etc.
  • Achieving financial accountability
  • What occurs during an audit and when you need one
  • Managing cash flow
  • Taxes including payroll, UBIT, and changes to GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles)
  • Maintaining nonprofit status through tax compliance – filing with the IRS and other government entities

Presenter: Megan Angle, CPAManager / Porte Brown LLC

Price: $150

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May
2
Sat
On BOARD® Lab: Fundraising & Arts Advocacy in the COVID-19 Crisis (Webinar) @ Webinar
May 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
On BOARD® Lab: Fundraising & Arts Advocacy in the COVID-19 Crisis (Webinar) @ Webinar | Chicago | Illinois | United States

Topics include:

  • Funding landscape for nonprofit organizations and sector-wide trends in giving
  • The role board members play in securing funds
  • Creating a donor cultivation strategy
  • The role of board members in arts advocacy
  • Emerging issues in arts & cultural policy including The CARES Act and the government’s role in COVID-19 response

Presenters: Suzanne Griffith / Navigate Nonprofits

Jonathan VanderBrug / Deputy Director, Civic Engagement / Arts Alliance Illinois

Price: Pay-What-You-Can

All dollars earned from this On BOARD® Lab will go directly toward our efforts to creatively and accessibly provide support and lend expertise to nonprofit organizations during the COVID-19 crisis.

Fill out my online form.

May
16
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: Spring Orientation @ Virtual
May 16 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled Chicagoans with arts, cultural, and creative communities in need of assistance. Are you interested in joining our pro bono consulting program and lending your abilities? Apply!

Application Deadline: May 3, 2020. Apply here.

For more information on BVA, click here.

Orientations are offered throughout the year. Individuals wishing to join BVA must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to attendance.

May
30
Sat
CANCELLED: Think & Do Tank: North Lawndale @ Douglas Park Cultural Center
May 30 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS SURROUNDING COVID-19.

 

Saturday, May 30, 2020, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Douglas Park Cultural Center, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr.

Do you need help getting your organization or creative enterprise to the next level? Are you unsure how to grow your business, expand your creative practice, or get things done? Get your business-related questions answered at our next Think & Do Tank!

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) connects skilled Chicagoans with creative people, creative communities, and creative businesses through Think & Do Tanks – half-day business consulting events and resource hubs designed to address the immediate needs of community-based art makers. Through Think & Do Tanks, and guidance from Business Volunteers for the Arts®, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle the questions and challenges of most importance to you.

What Happens at a Think & Do Tank?
Participants engage Business Volunteers for the Arts®—skilled Chicagoans, consultants, and subject matter experts in the areas of business planning, strategic planning, board governance, marketing, communications, human resources, accounting, and more—via one-hour, in-person consulting sessions. You choose your meeting time (1-4 consulting hours, per event) and area of consulting focus. Expect to walk away with actionable advice, concrete recommendations, and the essential knowledge needed to get things done!

Every Think & Do Tank includes community area-specific activities, networking, and a welcoming space for dialogue. A&BC staff will also be on-site to offer advice, connect you with programs, provide referrals, and help you navigate additional service providers.

Get Help In:

  • Concept & Development Planning
  • Board Governance
  • Financial Management
  • Income Generation
  • Audience Development & Marketing
  • Staffing & Structure
  • Facilities
  • And more!

Who Should Attend:

  • Chicago-area artists, creatives, culture-makers, and artist-entrepreneurs;
  • Community groups, collectives, and organizations (whether you’re a nonprofit or not!)
  • North Lawndale-area residents, organizers, activists, and change agents!

Consultations are free the day of this event. To reserve a meeting time in advance of the event, register here. Open to all. Walk-ins welcome.

For more information, email us at info@artsbiz-chicago.org.

This Think & Do Tank is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU).

About Think & Do Tanks
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) offers Think & Do Tanks as part of the 77 Communities Initiative, a realignment of resources to prioritize supporting creative enterprises in divested communities. These half-day business consulting events and resource hubs, presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU), serve to engage artist-entrepreneurs, creatives, and groups where they are – in community. All Think & Do Tanks are open to the public.

Jun
13
Sat
CANCELLED: Think & Do Tank: Austin @ Austin Town Hall Cultural Center
Jun 13 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS SURROUNDING COVID-19.

 

Saturday, June 13, 2020, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Austin Town Hall Cultural Center, 5610 W. Lake St.

Do you need help getting your organization or creative enterprise to the next level? Are you unsure how to grow your business, expand your creative practice, or get things done? Get your business-related questions answered at our next Think & Do Tank!

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) connects skilled Chicagoans with creative people, creative communities, and creative businesses through Think & Do Tanks – half-day business consulting events and resource hubs designed to address the immediate needs of community-based art makers. Through Think & Do Tanks, and guidance from Business Volunteers for the Arts®, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle the questions and challenges of most importance to you.

What Happens at a Think & Do Tank?
Participants engage Business Volunteers for the Arts®—skilled Chicagoans, consultants, and subject matter experts in the areas of business planning, strategic planning, board governance, marketing, communications, human resources, accounting, and more—via one-hour, in-person consulting sessions. You choose your meeting time (1-4 consulting hours, per event) and area of consulting focus. Expect to walk away with actionable advice, concrete recommendations, and the essential knowledge needed to get things done!

Every Think & Do Tank includes community area-specific activities, networking, and a welcoming space for dialogue. A&BC staff will also be on-site to offer advice, connect you with programs, provide referrals, and help you navigate additional service providers.

Get Help In:

  • Concept & Development Planning
  • Board Governance
  • Financial Management
  • Income Generation
  • Audience Development & Marketing
  • Staffing & Structure
  • Facilities
  • And more!

Who Should Attend:

  • Chicago-area artists, creatives, culture-makers, and artist-entrepreneurs;
  • Community groups, collectives, and organizations (whether you’re a nonprofit or not!)
  • Austin-area residents, organizers, activists, and change agents!

Consultations are free the day of this event. To reserve a meeting time in advance of the event, register here. Open to all. Walk-ins welcome.

For more information, email us at info@artsbiz-chicago.org.

This Think & Do Tank is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU).

Resource Exhibitors
City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development / Neighborhood Opportunity Fund: As the principal planning agency for the City of Chicago, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) promotes the comprehensive growth and sustainability of the City and its neighborhoods. The department also oversees the City’s zoning and land use policies and employs a variety of resources to encourage business and real estate development, historic preservation, accessible waterfronts, walkable neighborhoods, and related community improvements. DPD staff will be on-site to share which grants are available, for construction or rehabilitation projects, in South and West Side commercial corridors.

About Think & Do Tanks
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) offers Think & Do Tanks as part of the 77 Communities Initiative, a realignment of resources to prioritize supporting creative enterprises in divested communities. These half-day business consulting events and resource hubs, presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU), serve to engage artist-entrepreneurs, creatives, and groups where they are – in community. All Think & Do Tanks are open to the public.

Business Volunteers for the Arts: On-Demand Orientation @ Webinar
Jun 13 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled Chicagoans with arts, cultural, and creative communities in need of assistance. Are you interested in joining our pro bono consulting program and lending your abilities through short-term one-on-one consulting? Apply here!

For more information on BVA, click here.

Orientations are offered throughout the year. Individuals wishing to join BVA must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to attendance.

Jun
25
Thu
CANCELLED: Arts & Drafts @ Motor Row Brewing
Jun 25 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS SURROUNDING COVID-19.

 

Thursday, June 25, 2020, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Motor Row Brewing, 2337 S. Michigan Ave.

What’s better than making new connections, sharing ideas, and having a local beer?

Meet us at Arts & Drafts, a quarterly networking event for Chicago’s arts, cultural, creative, and business communities. Each event brings together a unique mix of people and companies, under one roof, for one night only. If you believe in the power of the arts, want to make a difference in our city, or simply feel like getting to know Chicago a little better, this event’s for you!

Arts & Drafts is a casual opportunity to network, expand your circle, meet up with friends, and make new ones. Do you have a question about the Arts & Business Council of Chicago, our 77 Communities Initiative, or Business Volunteers for the Arts? Swing by and get it answered!

FREE to attend. Open to all. See you there.

For more information, email Kenneth Franco at kfranco@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312.372.1876 ext. 102.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
About Arts & Drafts

Arts & Drafts is a quarterly networking event for Chicago’s arts, cultural, creative, and business communities. Each event brings together a unique mashup of people and companies, under one roof, for one night only. The goal: To encourage new partnerships and relationships.

Future Dates:

Jul
11
Sat
CANCELLED: Think & Do Tank: South Lawndale @ Piotrowski Park Cultural Center
Jul 11 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS SURROUNDING COVID-19.

 

Saturday, July 11, 2020, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Piotrowski Park Cultural Center, 4247 W. 31st St.

Do you need help getting your organization or creative enterprise to the next level? Are you unsure how to grow your business, expand your creative practice, or get things done? Get your business-related questions answered at our next Think & Do Tank!

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) connects skilled Chicagoans with creative people, creative communities, and creative businesses through Think & Do Tanks – half-day business consulting events and resource hubs designed to address the immediate needs of community-based art makers. Through Think & Do Tanks, and guidance from Business Volunteers for the Arts®, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle the questions and challenges of most importance to you.

What Happens at a Think & Do Tank?
Participants engage Business Volunteers for the Arts®—skilled Chicagoans, consultants, and subject matter experts in the areas of business planning, strategic planning, board governance, marketing, communications, human resources, accounting, and more—via one-hour, in-person consulting sessions. You choose your meeting time (1-4 consulting hours, per event) and area of consulting focus. Expect to walk away with actionable advice, concrete recommendations, and the essential knowledge needed to get things done!

Every Think & Do Tank includes community area-specific activities, networking, and a welcoming space for dialogue. A&BC staff will also be on-site to offer advice, connect you with programs, provide referrals, and help you navigate additional service providers.

Get Help In:

  • Concept & Development Planning
  • Board Governance
  • Financial Management
  • Income Generation
  • Audience Development & Marketing
  • Staffing & Structure
  • Facilities
  • And more!

Who Should Attend:

  • Chicago-area artists, creatives, culture-makers, and artist-entrepreneurs;
  • Community groups, collectives, and organizations (whether you’re a nonprofit or not!)
  • South Lawndale-area residents, organizers, activists, and change agents!

Consultations are free the day of this event. To reserve a meeting time in advance of the event, register here. Open to all. Walk-ins welcome.

For more information, email us at info@artsbiz-chicago.org.

This Think & Do Tank is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU).

Resource Exhibitors
City of Chicago Department of Planning & Development / Neighborhood Opportunity Fund: As the principal planning agency for the City of Chicago, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) promotes the comprehensive growth and sustainability of the City and its neighborhoods. The department also oversees the City’s zoning and land use policies and employs a variety of resources to encourage business and real estate development, historic preservation, accessible waterfronts, walkable neighborhoods, and related community improvements. DPD staff will be on-site to share which grants are available, for construction or rehabilitation projects, in South and West Side commercial corridors.

About Think & Do Tanks
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) offers Think & Do Tanks as part of the 77 Communities Initiative, a realignment of resources to prioritize supporting creative enterprises in divested communities. These half-day business consulting events and resource hubs, presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU), serve to engage artist-entrepreneurs, creatives, and groups where they are – in community. All Think & Do Tanks are open to the public.

Aug
22
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: On-Demand Orientation @ Webinar
Aug 22 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled Chicagoans with arts, cultural, and creative communities in need of assistance. Are you interested in joining our pro bono consulting program and lending your abilities through short-term one-on-one consulting? Apply here!

For more information on BVA, click here.

Orientations are offered throughout the year. Individuals wishing to join BVA must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to attendance.

Sep
14
Mon
On BOARD® Lab: Arts Organization Structures & Board Responsibilities @ Webinar
Sep 14 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Arts Organization Structures & Board Responsibilities is part 1 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To register for the full program session, click here.

Topics include:

  • Structures of arts and cultural organizations and their boards
  • Phases of development of nonprofit organizations, from the founding board to the working board and the governing board
  • Analysis of the board’s role in planning, governance, staffing & structure, income generation, audience development & marketing, financial management, and facilities management
  • Expectations of board contributions of time, talent, and treasure
  • Relationship between the board and staff, and challenges posed by staffing and board transitions

Presenter: Braden Cleary / Director of Arts Services / Arts & Business Council of Chicago

Price: $35 – Nonprofit and public sector employees use code NPO20 for $10 discount

Fill out my online form.

Sep
26
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: Fall Orientation @ Webinar
Sep 26 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled Chicagoans with arts, cultural, and creative communities in need of assistance. Are you interested in joining our pro bono consulting program and lending your abilities? Apply!

Application Deadline: Sunday, September 6, 2020. Apply here.

For more information on BVA, click here.

Orientations are offered throughout the year. Individuals wishing to join BVA must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to attendance.

Sep
28
Mon
On BOARD® Lab: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Board Members @ Webinar
Sep 28 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Board Members is part 2 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To register for the full program session, click here.

Topics include:

  • General roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members
  • Key fiduciary duties of nonprofit board members
    • Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, Duty of Obedience
  • Liability and protections for board members, the importance of Directors & Officers insurance
  • Additional considerations for public charities and private foundations with 501(c)(3) status
  • Important reporting obligations at the state and federal level

Presenter: Patricia S. Marx / Associate / Quarles & Brady, LLP

Price: $35 – Nonprofit and public sector employees use code NPO20 for $10 discount

Fill out my online form.

Oct
1
Thu
CANCELLED: Arts & Drafts @ TBA
Oct 1 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Thursday, October 1, 2020, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: TBA

What’s better than making new connections, sharing ideas, and having a local beer?

Meet us at Arts & Drafts, a quarterly networking event for Chicago’s arts, cultural, creative, and business communities. Each event brings together a unique mix of people and companies, under one roof, for one night only. If you believe in the power of the arts, want to make a difference in our city, or simply feel like getting to know Chicago a little better, this event’s for you!

Arts & Drafts is a casual opportunity to network, expand your circle, meet up with friends, and make new ones. Do you have a question about the Arts & Business Council of Chicago, our 77 Communities Initiative, or Business Volunteers for the Arts? Swing by and get it answered!

FREE to attend. Open to all. See you there.

For more information, email Kenneth Franco at kfranco@artsbiz-chicago.org or call 312.372.1876 ext. 102.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
About Arts & Drafts

Arts & Drafts is a quarterly networking event for Chicago’s arts, cultural, creative, and business communities. Each event brings together a unique mashup of people and companies, under one roof, for one night only. The goal: To encourage new partnerships and relationships.

Future Dates:

Oct
10
Sat
CANCELLED: Think & Do Tank: Roseland @ Palmer Park Cultural Center
Oct 10 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Saturday, October 10, 2020, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Palmer Park Cultural Center, 201 E. 111th St.

Do you need help getting your organization or creative enterprise to the next level? Are you unsure how to grow your business, expand your creative practice, or get things done? Get your business-related questions answered at our next Think & Do Tank!

The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) connects skilled Chicagoans with creative people, creative communities, and creative businesses through Think & Do Tanks – half-day business consulting events and resource hubs designed to address the immediate needs of community-based art makers. Through Think & Do Tanks, and guidance from Business Volunteers for the Arts®, you’ll have the opportunity to tackle the questions and challenges of most importance to you.

What Happens at a Think & Do Tank?
Participants engage Business Volunteers for the Arts®—skilled Chicagoans, consultants, and subject matter experts in the areas of business planning, strategic planning, board governance, marketing, communications, human resources, accounting, and more—via one-hour, in-person consulting sessions. You choose your meeting time (1-4 consulting hours, per event) and area of consulting focus. Expect to walk away with actionable advice, concrete recommendations, and the essential knowledge needed to get things done!

Every Think & Do Tank includes community area-specific activities, networking, and a welcoming space for dialogue. A&BC staff will also be on-site to offer advice, connect you with programs, provide referrals, and help you navigate additional service providers.

Get Help In:

  • Concept & Development Planning
  • Board Governance
  • Financial Management
  • Income Generation
  • Audience Development & Marketing
  • Staffing & Structure
  • Facilities
  • And more!

Who Should Attend:

  • Chicago-area artists, creatives, culture-makers, and artist-entrepreneurs;
  • Community groups, collectives, and organizations (whether you’re a nonprofit or not!)
  • Roseland-area residents, organizers, activists, and change agents!

Consultations are free the day of this event. To reserve a meeting time in advance of the event, register here. Open to all. Walk-ins welcome.

For more information, email us at info@artsbiz-chicago.org.

This Think & Do Tank is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU).

About Think & Do Tanks
The Arts & Business Council of Chicago (A&BC) offers Think & Do Tanks as part of the 77 Communities Initiative, a realignment of resources to prioritize supporting creative enterprises in divested communities. These half-day business consulting events and resource hubs, presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Park District’s Arts & Culture Unit (ACU), serve to engage artist-entrepreneurs, creatives, and groups where they are – in community. All Think & Do Tanks are open to the public.

Oct
12
Mon
On BOARD® Lab: Nonprofit Board Committee Structures & Strategic Planning @ Webinar
Oct 12 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Nonprofit Board Committee Structures & Strategic Planning is part 3 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To register for the full program session, click here.

Topics include:

  • An exploration of typical standing and ad hoc committees on a board of directors
  • Appropriate times to form a committee and signs that a committee isn’t a good choice
  • Non-governing boards and their relationships to the board of directors and the organization
    • Auxiliary boards, associate boards, junior boards, advisory boards
  • Defining key vocabulary terms for strategic planning
  • Advantages of creating and using a strategic plan
  • How to approach the strategic planning process and the board’s critical role in planning

Presenter: Braden Cleary / Director of Arts Services / Arts & Business Council of Chicago

Cris Beilstein / Consultant / Elevation Collaborative

Price: $35 – Nonprofit and public sector employees use code NPO20 for $10 discount

Fill out my online form.

Oct
17
Sat
Business Volunteers for the Arts: On-Demand Orientation @ Webinar
Oct 17 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Business Volunteers for the Arts® (BVA) connects skilled Chicagoans with arts, cultural, and creative communities in need of assistance. Are you interested in joining our pro bono consulting program and lending your abilities through short-term one-on-one consulting? Apply here!

For more information on BVA, click here.

Orientations are offered throughout the year. Individuals wishing to join BVA must submit a volunteer application, and participate in an introductory interview, prior to attendance.

Oct
26
Mon
On BOARD® Lab: Nonprofit Finances, Budgeting, & Tax Issues (Webinar) @ Webinar
Oct 26 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Nonprofit Finances, Budgeting, & Tax Issues is part 4 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To register for the full program session, click here.

Topics include:

  • Financial oversight; policy creation and compliance; and safeguarding of assets
    • Policies: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention & destruction, executive compensation, etc.
  • Achieving financial accountability
  • What occurs during an audit and when you need one
  • Managing cash flow at a nonprofit organization
  • Taxes including payroll, UBIT, and recent changes to GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles)
  • Maintaining nonprofit status through tax compliance
    • Filing with the IRS and other government entities

Price: $35 – Nonprofit and public sector employees use code NPO20 for $10 discount

Fill out my online form.

Nov
9
Mon
On BOARD® Lab: Demystifying Fundraising for Board Members (Webinar) @ Webinar
Nov 9 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Demystifying Fundraising and the Role of Board Members is part 5 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To register for the full program session, click here.

Topics include:

  • Sources of funding: foundations, corporations, individuals, government
  • Uses of funding: restricted, unrestricted, sponsorship
  • Designing your organization’s strategic fundraising engagement process
  • The three important roles that the board plays in fundraising
  • Developing a culture of philanthropy that is intentional and inclusive

Presenter: Suzanne Griffith / Vega Partners

Price: $35 – Nonprofit and public sector employees use code NPO20 for $10 discount

Fill out my online form.

Nov
23
Mon
On BOARD® Lab: Arts Advocacy for Board Members (Webinar) @ Webinar
Nov 23 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Arts Advocacy for the Nonprofit Board Member is part 6 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To register for the full program session, click here.

Topics include:

  • The definition of advocacy
  • How to create your story to advocate for arts, culture, and creativity
  • Tactics for delivering your advocacy message to key decision makers or stakeholders
  • Current events and cultural policy issues at the local, state, and federal levels
  • Differences between advocacy and lobbying and the do’s and do not’s for board members

Presenter: Jonathan VanderBrug / Deputy Director – Civic Engagement / Arts Alliance Illinois

Price: $35 – Nonprofit and public sector employees use code NPO20 for $10 discount

Fill out my online form.

Feb
15
Mon
On BOARD® Lab: Arts Organization Structures & Board Responsibilities @ Webinar
Feb 15 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who participate in the On BOARD® Labs demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Topics in Arts Organization Structures & Board Responsibilities include:

  • Structures of arts and cultural organizations and their boards
  • Phases of development of nonprofit organizations, from the founding board to the working board and the governing board
  • Analysis of the board’s role in planning, governance, staffing & structure, income generation, audience development & marketing, financial management, and facilities management
  • Expectations of board contributions of time, talent, and treasure
  • Using committees and non-governing boards to amplify the work of your organization

Presenter: Braden Cleary / Director of Arts Services / Arts & Business Council of Chicago

Price: $35

Fill out my online form.

Apr
12
Mon
On BOARD®: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Board Members @ Webinar
Apr 12 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
On BOARD®: Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Board Members @ Webinar | Chicago | Illinois | United States

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

 

Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities of Board Members is part 2 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To learn more about the full program curriculum, click here.

Topics include:

  • General roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members
  • Key fiduciary duties of nonprofit board members
    • Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, Duty of Obedience
  • Liability and protections for board members, the importance of Directors & Officers insurance
  • Additional considerations for public charities and private foundations with 501(c)(3) status
  • Important reporting obligations at the state and federal level

Presenter: Patricia S. Marx / Associate / Quarles & Brady, LLP

Price: $35

Fill out my online form.

Jun
14
Mon
On BOARD®: Understanding the Numbers: Nonprofit Finances, Budgeting, & Tax Issues @ Webinar
Jun 14 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

Nonprofit Finances, Budgeting, & Tax Issues is part 3 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum. To register for the full program session, click here.

Topics include:

  • Financial oversight; policy creation and compliance; and safeguarding of assets
    • Policies: conflict of interest, whistleblower, document retention & destruction, executive compensation, etc.
  • Achieving financial accountability
  • What occurs during an audit and when you need one
  • Managing cash flow at a nonprofit organization
  • Taxes including payroll, UBIT, and recent changes to GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles)
  • Maintaining nonprofit status through tax compliance
    • Filing with the IRS and other government entities

Presenter: Megan Angle / Partner / Porte Brown Accountants and Advisors

Price: $35

Fill out my online form.

Aug
16
Mon
On BOARD®: The Importance of Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations @ Webinar
Aug 16 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

On BOARD® is the Arts & Business Council of Chicago’s unique board governance and leadership training program that prepares individuals who are ready to engage as active board members of arts, cultural, and creative nonprofit organizations. Individuals who successfully complete the full program demonstrate an understanding and commitment to upholding high standards of nonprofit board governance.

The Importance of Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations is part 4 of 6 in the full On BOARD® curriculum.

Topics include:

  • Defining key vocabulary terms for strategic planning
  • Advantages of creating and using a strategic plan
  • How to approach the strategic planning process and the board’s critical role in planning

Presenter: Cris Beilstein / Consultant / Elevation Collaborative

Price: $35

Oct
18
Mon
On BOARD® Demystifying Fundraising for Board Members @ Webinar
Oct 18 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

There is always going to be chaos, a crisis, or disruption – an economic downturn, funders’ shifting priorities, and some years- it’s a pandemic.

How are you managing the moment?

Join us for this participatory workshop focusing on the tried-and-true principals of fundraising that will help you weather any storm.

In this moment, your greatest asset is your staff and board’s ability to communicate and steward stakeholders. In fact, the smaller you are the better positioned you may be to grow your contributed revenue.

Topics to be discussed:

  • Designing your organization’s strategic fundraising engagement process
  • The three important roles that the board plays in fundraising
  • Developing a culture of philanthropy that is intentional and inclusive
  • And with all the Relief funding being made available: Uses of funding: restricted, unrestricted, sponsorship

Presenter: Suzanne Griffith, Founder and Managing Principal of VEGA Partners a firm that focuses on leveraging companies and philanthropies social impact solutions.