Helping funders and arts organizations realize their vision since 1996.
Callahan Consulting for the ArtsCallahan Consulting for the ArtsHelping funders and arts organizations realize their vision since 1996.
Success begins with a vision. Over the past two decades, the foundations, artists, and associations we’ve worked with have plenty of vision. It’s their ideas that can lead to effective funding programs, lasting partnerships, and — most importantly — great art.
It’s getting there — realizing your vision — where we come in.
“You got into the heart of what makes our organization tick… And, we sense your ongoing concern.”
—Jawole Zollar
Founder/Visioning Partner, Urban Bush Women
Fair Funding Access in Arts Philanthropy. In the past several years, developed a framework In 2025-2026, our firm will continue working with Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) and the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) to transition and expand a framework to measure the fairness and effectiveness of their performing arts grants in meeting their stated goals. More information will be available in the late summer. Listen to a GIA podcast about the original measurement system here.
Performing Arts Technology Lab. In March 2024 the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF) Arts Program launched a request for proposals for its Performing Arts Technologies Lab (PATL), to provide support for ideas at the intersection of performing arts and digital technology. As a service to the field, DDF commissioned our firm to review the large volume of applications report this learning to the field. Across applications, artists and organizations are pursuing technology use within their artmaking to expand, if not transform, the art works being created; to deepen their interactions with audiences; to experiment with the myriad of possibilities that new technology allows, letting artists dream in new and bigger ways that were unimaginable even a few years ago; and to share knowledge with peers. Read findings from Technology and the Performing Arts: A Field Scan here.
Doris Duke Artist Awards. Since 2022, our firm has worked with DDF to explore the impact of this program on the artists it supports. In late 2023, Callahan presented findings from our study of the program’s impact during its first decade at the GIA conference.
ArtsForward. Callahan was senior advisor to Association of Performing Arts Professionals on the design and management of this new national initiative funded by the Mellon Foundation. In 2022 the program gave more than $2 million in grants to partnerships between presenters and artists, to support the performing arts field’s transition toward reopening its venues in the wake of the pandemic. Read a case study here.
Until 2020, our firm led the design and management of Dance/USA Fellowships to Artists, a $1.9 million program that, with funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, supports individual dance artists who address social change in communities. Read the story of how this program was created and its results. Or, learn about our management and evaluation of funding programs here.
In 2020, the Association for Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) and Callahan Consulting released “Small and Mighty: A Study of Small and Midsized Presenting Organizations in the United States,” shedding light on the circumstances and needs of this large group of presenters across the country. This study includes a supplement on the impact of COVID-19 on these presenters.
Whether it’s a foundation that is creating a funding program, a theater that is strengthening its connection with audiences, or a national association that is revamping its member services, our planning process is grounded in research. By research, we mean tailoring questions and gathering specific information that prepares you to make good decisions about your program or organization’s future. And, knowing that thorough planning is critical to ensuring fundraising success, we can facilitate the planning process while developing fundraising strategies and proposals.
Distributing and obtaining funding are different sides to the same, competitive process. Funders must balance competing priorities and justify portfolios to their boards and sometimes to the broader community. Nonprofits must make a strong case for support, backed up by solid plans and sometimes evidence of impact.
Realizing the need to strategically allocate dollars and proactively assess their impact in today’s economy, our philanthropic counsel to foundations and other funders is based on 30 years of experience as a national funder.
Our insight and expertise in fundraising for nonprofits draws from that philanthropic background, and is augmented by our status as Certified Fundraising Executives. We offer diversified skills in development planning, grant writing, direct mail, capital campaigns, and other crucial areas, with a high track record of success.
For funders and nonprofits, the demand for accountability is high – and it’s here to stay. Our evaluation services integrate the insights and experience of 40 years in the arts with a firm grounding in research methodology. Our approach allows you to choose from progressive alternatives for evaluation services that are tailored to your artistic mission.
Our national research aids funders and other organizations in identifying and learning about key issues that affect their work. The new information we provide, sometimes coupled with facilitated conversations, allow you to make informed decisions that clarify your purpose and build community.
We are administrators and artists that together have decades of experience as national funders and policy makers. We have advanced degrees in the arts and education, and graduate level training in research. We have received national awards in our areas of expertise and have published books and articles. And, in line with our mission and values, we’ve built strong and trusting relationships with our clients, and value their endorsement of the results.
Above: Urban Bush Women in Women’s Resistance. Photo by Hayim Heron.