Arts Funding Podcast

In this episode, we explore the origins of #GivingTuesday, the ACTUAL benefits to orgs in terms of matching funds, and ways to leverage this single day to your organization’s best advantage.

In this episode, we discuss the (many) issues and limitations with conventional fundraising for arts programs.

’Conventional Fundraising’ could be defined as transactions that begin with ”Would you mind buying this overpriced thingy to help my kids’ band program?…”

I also spend a little time reflecting about my own fundraising experiences as a kid in my high school band program, as well as remember an important mentor that left us this week.

NOTE – the car wash in the Episode’s image is NOT one of the fundraising tactics that are a part of this issue. In fact I wholeheartedly support car washes for a lot of reason, if for no other reason than the fun and bonding that it brings about.

In this episode, we discuss how students (and grown ups) are moved and motivated by just KNOWING that someone is monitoring, assessing, and measuring the outcome of any task.

We also explore this topic in this associated blog post.

Ever have an exciting idea get “poo-poo-ed” by others in your decision chain?

It stinks, especially when the nay-sayers are operating from a place of irrationality and lack of information.

In this episode, we discuss how to get great ideas off the ground, and build consensus for the things you want to do.

Obviously this applies to a lot more than “FansRaise”…

In this episode we discuss the best tips on rolling out your campaign concept to your participants.

In this episode we discuss the single most difficult aspect to fundraising. No one ever talks about it, but it dampens your results EVERY time you roll out a new fundraiser for your group.

It’s hot and it’s late July, and that means BAND CAMP and the kick off to your fundraising!

Accompanying Blog Post – http://blog.fansraise.com/make-your-arts-program-more-corporate-business-friendly

Also mentioned – The Band Parents Guide to Marching Adjudication can be downloaded here – http://info.fansraise.com/band-parents-guide-marching-adjudication

In this episode, we discuss specific ways to take a good campaign and make it great.

Don’t forget to Like and Follow on Facebook – facebook.com/FansRaise

In this episode, we discuss the incredible week that was Drum Corps International Championships. We will also discuss getting your kids into and out of band camp in one piece!

It’s that time of the year again!

Band camp is upon us, and if your program is wrestling with making ends meet, or if your marching show SUDDENLY requires MORE props, costuming, electronics, or guard equipment than you budgeted for – you’re in luck.

Visit FansRaise.com for more info.

In this Episode, we review our most commonly asked questions (or at least the ones that have been getting a lot of play lately!)…

First a quick talk about my Mom, and her passing about a week ago at 1:40.

She was in a position to help me financially get the FansRaise company off the ground, and I take a minute to reflect on her as a “specific” type of band-mom.

How Big A Group Do I Need For Crowdfunding? – 7:45

How Long Should My Campaign Last? – 14:00

Biggest Mistakes That Group Make? – 16:43

Why Not Run a GoFundMe Campaign? – 23:10

A well-organized and coordinated crowdfunding campaign takes on the dimension of a well-orchestrated fundraising effort. It’s run from the top-down, executively-endorsed and distinctly organized. At it’s peak, the campaign ought to instill a sense of confidence and stability.

Blog post – http://blog.fansraise.com/its-drum-corps-season-so-commence-the-gfm-begging

In this episode, we explore how to get students thinking about the real, total costs of your program, and why it’s important

To most kids, the true cost of putting a production on stage, or a marching show on the football field is incomprehensible. A fuller understanding about what it REALLY takes in terms of budget and resources is key to building true student ownership.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of setting a crowdfunding campaign APART from typical, garden-variety fundraisers that normally are elective or “optional”.

Our “$10,000 Blueprint” illustrates how arts organizations can engage with students and families to tackle big fundraising goals. I different mindset towards fundraising is needed (this is not your obligatory candy sale)…

Understanding how and why donors decide to engage with fundraising and crowdfunding campaigns is key to developing successful campaigns for your performing ensemble.

If you are interested in viewing the webinar recording on-demand referenced in this episode – you can access it here.

Well, it’s not a good thing but it happens. Whether the friction is booster-on-booster or possibly anti-program or anti-director, this short form episode will examine the root causes, and how to avoid these issues.

In this Episode, we cover the 5 things that every crowdfunding campaign needs to consider and cover in order to be successful.

In this episode, we reference our recent published report called “The $10,000 Blueprint” – which is a methodology built to allow a performing ensemble of just about any size to generate $10K in crowdfunded donations.

Again, your mileage may vary as campaign success is highly dependent on several factors.

What do students REALLY think about group fundraising?

In this episode, I enlisted the help of Lauren Gilbert, 8th grade band member of her High School marching band, to discuss the student-perspective of fundraising.

She confirms what I already thought to be true – fundraising is often not completely emphasized by the teaching faculty or band staff, and it can often fall by the wayside. It’s not for a lack of trying or effort – in fact our own band program does a fantastic job of keeping parents informed.

The students look at things differently, and Lauren helps shine a light on that.

In this episode we discuss the TX Music Educators Annual Conference

In this episode I chronicle TMEA’s annual conference – what was learned and what FansRaise contributed.

We made mention to the talk that Chris Magonigal and I presented as part of our break-out session on “How to Leverage Crowdfunding as a Team-Building Asset”. The dialogue went very well, and we captured the process used by Genesis Drum & Bugle Corps in a Success Story.

In Episode 204, Bryan Tuk sits down with us to discuss the arts fundraising landscape, where the opportunities for growth reside, and a few old drum corps war stories.

Many times, fundraising gets taken for granted by students. We believe that some emphasis on the student-driven responsibilities of fundraising is a worthwhile way to teach ownership and responsibility.Supporting blog posts -Using marching band fundraising to emphasize student ownershiphttp://blog.fansraise.com/using-marching-band-fundraising-to-emphasize-student-ownership”Do I need to involve my students/members in my crowdfunding campaign?”http://blog.fansraise.com/involving-students-in-crowdfunding-campaign

This podcast episode features our conversation with Mr. Devin Fletcher, Founder and Executive Director of Imperial Dynasty Performing Arts in New Castle County, Delaware. Devin talked with us about how he transformed a community-based grassroots drill-team into a perennial WGI finalist in a few short years through the use of foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and other financial support.

In our inaugural episode, Brian Gilbert (Founder and CEO of FansRaise) talks about the goals of this podcast, and how FansRaise is helping performing ensembles around the USA flourish.