Arts and Culture

News & Announcements

  • Learn about ArtPlace, a collaboration of foundations, the National Endowment for the Arts and various federal agencies to accelerate creative placemaking across the U.S.

For over 30 years, NFF has been helping arts and cultural organizations solve their financial challenges and plan for a more vibrant, healthy future. We have worked with more than 1,300 arts organizations across the country, from small neighborhood-based community centers to large performing arts organizations and museums.

What We Do

Our team of arts experts assist organizations facing a range of artistic and business opportunities, from change, to growth, to collaboration, customizing our approach to individual circumstances and organizational sizes. For nonprofits, we provide sector-specific financial consulting services and access to capital, both loans and grants. NFF also provides funder services to support effective grantmaking in the arts. We advocate for improved funding and financing practices and better dialogue between arts organizations and their supporters.

On the Boards

Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives

We work with foundations and nonprofits to delve into specific financial issues relevant to a cohort of organizations. In addition to testing innovative shared approaches and examining sector trends, we focus on each nonprofit's unique financial situation.

Boston Center for the Arts

NFF Research & Reports

Read our reports specific to Arts and Culture
See a full list of NFF research across sectors

 

Social Currency Blog

Essays and Commentary

Blogs dedicated to arts and culture
NFF's Social Currency Blog 
NFF's Money & Mission on The Chronicle of Philanthropy

 

Jose MateoClient Stories

NFF has worked with more than 1,300 arts and culture organizations, from grassroots art studios to large renowned theaters, partnering with funders with varying grantmaking budgets, interests, and needs. Our understanding of the sector is bolstered by this breadth and depth in service. Check out our client features for On the Boards, ArtsQuest, and Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.

Areas of Focus

Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre

"When Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre started to work with NFF seventeen years ago, the organization had posted operating deficits for many years in a row, audits were issued with ongoing concerns, and the future looked shaky at best. Seventeen years later, the organization is consistently posting operating surpluses and working to build a robust balance sheet. I cannot speak highly enough about NFF. NFF staff are true capacity builders and leave organizations with an enhanced understanding of the role of finance in service to mission."

Scott Fraser Managing Director, JMBT

 

Case for Change Capital in the Arts

Case for Change Capital in the Arts

Building Vibrant and Viable
Cultural Organizations

Related Articles