Create a program to help contract artists and groups OR think about programs that already exist where you can diversify contracted artists and groups.
Partnerships and collaborations are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a difference in commitment level, shared resources, and financial obligations.
Be sure to clarify what the terms and expectations are because strong collaboration and/or partnerships are the root of sustainable relationships. Even for the groups you are unable to fund with a grant, there may still be unique partnership opportunities that would benefit both you and the organization. Perhaps you can hire these groups for projects that would support their work in ways that advance their goals and yours. If 501(c)(3) status is a barrier, investigate opportunities to support entrepreneurship and arts enterprises that are similar to nonprofits (like the eligible organizations identified for the AEP6 study) and for-profit businesses.
Take a moment to think through the below prompts. Your answers to these prompts could lead to the identification of possible solutions.
If your grant program will only allow you to support 501(c)(3) organizations, but some of the organizations you are interested in connecting or continuing a relationship with are not nonprofits, you could:
Take a moment to think through the below prompts. Your answers to these prompts could lead to the identification of possible solutions.
If your grant program will only allow you to support 501(c)(3) organizations, but some of the organizations you are interested in connecting or continuing a relationship with are not nonprofits, you could:
01
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CREATE A PROGRAM
Create a program to help contract artists and groups OR think about programs that already exist where you can diversify contracted artists and groups.
02
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BUY A SERVICE
Buy a service or resource and allow the organization to use it as well.
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COLLABORATE
Collaborate on public relations efforts to build out robust event calendars or featured stories.
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RECIPROCATE INVITATIONS
Look for opportunities to bring along leaders of the organizations you have been showing up for. If you get invited to an event, bring a BIPOC or ALAANA leader with you and make introductions to build out networks and further opportunities to collaborate.
If some of the above options fall outside of the scope of your capacity, you can Be a Bridge between groups that may be able to assist. Ask BIPOC and ALAANA organizations what their goals are and what they envision successful, creative, and authentic collaboration looks like.
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Intentional listening
Intentional listening is a key component of building an authentic relationship.
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POWER DYNAMICS
Consider the power dynamics at play! Is there someone who controls the terms of the relationship? If so, who, how, and why?
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Authenticity can look and feel different to different people
Make sure your actions have meaning; consider how messages or actions can be perceived and received. Focus on building long-term relationships by considering past, present, and future contexts.
Dream, Breathe, Design!
Remember the purpose of this work, and based on that, create. It’s not only about services because there are many ways we can connect.
As you are creating, think:
1. What are individual and mutual goals?
2. What can you exchange (goods and services)?
3. What can you collaborate on?
The following can help you dive into some resources, root causes, drivers, and examples of how this intentional work can be pushed forward to break disconnection, distrust, and disinvestment cycles.
Understanding perception and intersectionality is a building block to cultural competence and the ability to understand, appreciate, and collaborate with different cultures. This is critical to building, maintaining, and strengthening relationships.
Check out the resource list below
1.
Think outside of the box for partnership.
2.
Invest in mutually beneficial opportunities.
3.
Consider transformational collaboration that celebrates diverse perspectives.
Key
Takeaways:
(but only if you want to)
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