From the Field

Major Study Explores Theatre Governing Boards In-Depth

In Whom We Trust VI: Governing Boards Survey 2024, released by Theatre Communications Group, offers the first major study of not-for-profit theatre governance in over a decade. Drawing on data from 141 theatres across various regions and budget sizes, the survey analyzes board demographics, giving practices, meeting structures and governance dynamics. The 2024 survey revealed several notable shifts from 2013, including gains in board knowledge of theatre, increased board diversity and more flexible giving policies. For instance, in 2024 only 43% of theatres reported having a give/get policy, compared to 78% in 2013. The survey also revealed persistent challenges like staff capacity strain and unclear board-staff roles. Over 27% of theaters, for example, reported unrealistic expectations of staff capacity. Overall, the report signals progress in strengthening board governance and inclusivity in U.S. theatre.

Research on Grant Making to Support Native Communities

Two recent studies evaluate the impact of grant making to serve the needs of a variety of Native communities. The first, Evaluation of IMLS’s Native Communities Grant Programs, conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in partnership with Kituwah LLC and ICF, evaluates the agency’s four grant programs. The programs are specifically designed to support library and museum services in Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiʻian communities. Key findings highlight effectiveness of IMLS’s Native Communities grant programs, specifically the Native American Library Services: Basic Grants program for its flexibility. This program’s noncompetitive nature provides small, hard-to-reach Indigenous communities access to much-needed funding. However, the report also finds several critical challenges that these library and museum service providers face, such as limited organizational capacity to adequately support the needs of their communities, apply for grants, implement technological advancements, and protect and preserve heritage items and language. Moreover, the report emphasizes that the varied needs among Native communities underscore that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient.

In a different study, The Bridgespan Group, in partnership with Native Americans in Philanthropy, conducted over 40 interviews and listening sessions with various Native community leaders, educators and scholars to gain insights and provide practical advice for funders on partnering with Native people. The result is The Impact and Opportunity of Investing in Native Communities. As less than one percent of philanthropic dollars explicitly benefits Native Americans, the report focuses in large part on the ample opportunities funders have to support and engage with Native communities. The report also highlights examples of other funders already engaging in this work, opportunities to build from those examples and educational resources for funders.

Arts Education Policy Insight Series

The Arts Education Partnership recently updated ArtScan, a clearinghouse of the latest state policies supporting arts education from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity. Information is based on a comprehensive search of state education statutes and codes on each state’s relevant website. Also provided are two-page summaries of policies across four different categories, state policy profiles and a comparison tool.