TDC periodically undertakes research studies on major issues and trends in the nonprofit sector. Here are the findings of some recent studies:
Getting Beyond Breakeven: A review of capitalization needs and challenges of Philadelphia-area arts and culture organizations (2009). Commissioned by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the William Penn Foundation, "Getting Beyond Breakeven" is the result of research and analysis of the financial health and financial literacy of 158 arts and culture organizations located in the Greater Philadelphia region. The study found that when it comes to capitalization, strong financial literacy does not translate into robust financial health, and delves into TDC's latest thinking on the practice changes at individual organizations and within the system as a whole that could bridge this disconnect. The report also offers a review of basic capitalization concepts and five organizational profiles, which were each designed to illustrate methods of financial analysis and integrated strategic business planning. A critical read for managers, board members, and funders. We welcome your comments on this report at cap@tdcorp.org.
The Risk of Debt in Financing Nonprofit Facilities: Why Your Business Model Matters (2007). A ground-breaking project, this study examines the phenomenal rise in the use of debt in the nonprofit sector over the last decade, looking specifically at arts organizations, human service providers and private schools. The way that debt influences an organization - both positively and negatively - hinges on its business model and its mix of earned and contributed income. The report clarifies the role of lenders and borrowers in the transaction, and includes guidelines on debt use and risk tolerance that are based on the combined wisdom of dozens of organizations, lenders and intermediaries.
Vital Signs: Metro Boston's Arts and Cultural Nonprofits (2007). As a follow up to the 2003 report, TDC completed an in-depth study of the dense and growing nonprofit arts and culture sector in Greater Boston. Vital Signs, the culminating report, examines the health of metro Boston's arts and culture sector from 1999 to 2004 using four interrelated categories of criteria, including the level of innovation in the marketplace, demand and support for arts and cultural experiences, existence of engaged audiences, and evidence of organizations that are right-sized. The report reveals that while the region enjoys a robust and innovative sector, there are warning signs that the level of support in the community and the financial health of arts and culture institutions are stressed. The report also highlights the need for additional data to evaluate the extent to which the region's arts and culture institutions have succeeded in engaging audiences.
Funding for Cultural Organizations in Boston and Nine Other Metropolitan Areas (2003). In a study commissioned by the Boston Foundation, TDC explored the size and scope of the Boston cultural market and examined the financial health of organizations in this sector. This landmark study found that Boston has a dense and mature marketplace of arts organizations that are primarily supported through private, not public, means. The report also examines the characteristics of cultural ecosystems in other cities.
Getting Beyond Breakeven: A review of capitalization needs and challenges of Philadelphia-area arts and culture organizations (2009). Commissioned by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the William Penn Foundation, "Getting Beyond Breakeven" is the result of research and analysis of the financial health and financial literacy of 158 arts and culture organizations located in the Greater Philadelphia region. The study found that when it comes to capitalization, strong financial literacy does not translate into robust financial health, and delves into TDC's latest thinking on the practice changes at individual organizations and within the system as a whole that could bridge this disconnect. The report also offers a review of basic capitalization concepts and five organizational profiles, which were each designed to illustrate methods of financial analysis and integrated strategic business planning. A critical read for managers, board members, and funders. We welcome your comments on this report at cap@tdcorp.org.
The Risk of Debt in Financing Nonprofit Facilities: Why Your Business Model Matters (2007). A ground-breaking project, this study examines the phenomenal rise in the use of debt in the nonprofit sector over the last decade, looking specifically at arts organizations, human service providers and private schools. The way that debt influences an organization - both positively and negatively - hinges on its business model and its mix of earned and contributed income. The report clarifies the role of lenders and borrowers in the transaction, and includes guidelines on debt use and risk tolerance that are based on the combined wisdom of dozens of organizations, lenders and intermediaries.
Vital Signs: Metro Boston's Arts and Cultural Nonprofits (2007). As a follow up to the 2003 report, TDC completed an in-depth study of the dense and growing nonprofit arts and culture sector in Greater Boston. Vital Signs, the culminating report, examines the health of metro Boston's arts and culture sector from 1999 to 2004 using four interrelated categories of criteria, including the level of innovation in the marketplace, demand and support for arts and cultural experiences, existence of engaged audiences, and evidence of organizations that are right-sized. The report reveals that while the region enjoys a robust and innovative sector, there are warning signs that the level of support in the community and the financial health of arts and culture institutions are stressed. The report also highlights the need for additional data to evaluate the extent to which the region's arts and culture institutions have succeeded in engaging audiences.
Funding for Cultural Organizations in Boston and Nine Other Metropolitan Areas (2003). In a study commissioned by the Boston Foundation, TDC explored the size and scope of the Boston cultural market and examined the financial health of organizations in this sector. This landmark study found that Boston has a dense and mature marketplace of arts organizations that are primarily supported through private, not public, means. The report also examines the characteristics of cultural ecosystems in other cities.