Click on a question below for more informationon that topic:

How do I find out if my city/county already has an arts policy?

What type of policy is most likely to work in my city?

Who are the most common adversaries of arts policies?

How do I know who is a possible stakeholder for my legislation?

How long does it take to implement arts legislation?

What is the best method of evaluation?

Where do I go to hire a lobbyist? What do they cost?

How much will it cost to implement a policy?

How much does it cost to maintain policies? Should money be set aside for maintenance?

What are the restrictions on a non-profit arts organization’s involvement in political campaigns?

How do I find out if my city/county already has an arts policy?
There are a number of resources for finding policies on the web and elsewhere.

What type of policy is most likely to work in my city?
It depends. Different types of policies will work better in some places than others because any number of factors such as tax burden, size, median income, taxation restrictions, etc.

Who are the most common adversaries of arts policies?
The most common adversaries to oppose arts policy can be broken into two categories: competitors for the funding, and opponents of any tax.

How do I know who is a possible stakeholder for my legislation?
Artists, teachers, young children, arts patrons, under-served children, downtown business sector, are all possible categories of stakeholders. In addition to stakeholders you should identify potential partners in legislation. There is strength in numbers and its more likely that a policy will pass if it benefits many as opposed to benefiting the few.

How long does it take to implement arts legislation?
While there is no magic number of months to expect in drafting and implementing legislation, the most common length was 18 months. Each campaign will vary and each type of tax policy has different requirements which can dictate length. When drafting the plan for the project it is important to identify any events that will affect the timing of the project.

What is the best method of evaluation?
There is no “best” method of evaluation. The most important lesson to understand is evaluation is essential and should be considered early and often. There are many distinctly different methods some of which are outlined in the site.

Where do I go to hire a lobbyist? What do they cost?
First try to identify potential lobbyists already connected to your organization. Anyone with the time, political connections, and interest can advocate for you in local government. Secondly, think of searching for lobbyists like searching for board members. They should have a personal interest in your organization/cause. They should have the connections and resources to benefit your organization, and they should be willing to work for you for little or no compensation. Professional lobbyists, those who make their living influencing policy, may not be interested in working for a non-profit arts organization, and many of them charge hourly – like lawyers. Third, consider alternatives to lobbyists such as consultants or public relations experts who may be able to offer advice on other methods to get the attention of local politicians, and are frequently less expensive than professional lobbyists.

How much will it cost to implement a policy?
The costs to implement a policy will largely be determined by how many people need to approve the measure. For example, if a proposed measure is placed on a ballot in a city or county-wide election, costs can be quite large to educate the public on the benefits of the initiative. However, if the measure merely has to gain the support of the city or county council, then costs can be minimal. Check with your local government to identify any fees that are specific to your area.

How much does it cost to maintain policies? Should money be set aside for maintenance?
Reserving money to maintain the policy is often the most overlooked step when implementing the policy. Maintenance includes evaluating the policy, spreading awareness of the policy, and if needed, renewing the policy. Each of these maintenance measures cost money, and is critical to the long-term success of the policy. Setting aside two or three percent of all revenues generated by the policy each year is a wise step in making sure there are enough resources to maintain the policy.

What are the restrictions on a non-profit arts organization’s involvement in political campaigns?
Restrictions on 501(c)3’s involvement in political campaigns vary from state to state. Federal restrictions allow 501(c)3’s to participate in lobbing and campaigning for legislation that would directly impact their organization. However these groups are not allowed to support individual candidates. 501(c)3’s are allowed to spend money on lobbying and grassroots campaigns as long as the amount of money spent does not exceed 20% of the organization’s yearly operating budget. Be sure to consult with an expert regarding your local and state restrictions, if any, before participating in any campaign activities.

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