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Repertoire & Resources

dance at various arts and culture events has declined laborative efforts amplify our reach and effectiveness.
or stagnated, with audiences increasingly seeking more Collaborative efforts also foster trust and credibility
immersive experiences rather than merely attending among stakeholders. Advocacy and public awareness
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events. This evolving demand has necessitated a re- initiatives are vital for promoting the organization’s
evaluation of traditional organizational practices to mission, thereby gaining additional support from the
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innovate in order to attract and retain audiences. The community and policy makers. It is also crucial to en-
confluence of these factors illustrates the ongoing chal- gage with the community regarding their needs. No
lenges and adaptations that nonprofit music organiza- one appreciates being told what they need or should
tions must navigate to ensure their long-term viability like. Rather, engage in a dialogue to produce a result
and relevance in a rapidly changing ecosystem. that will be beneficial to all concerned.
But what to do about it? Financial sustainability is
a cornerstone for nonprofit music organizations, en-
abling them to deliver programs and services without Challenges of Sustainability
interruption. This requires a multifaceted approach The challenges we are up against mainly take four
that includes diversifying funding sources, managing forms: funding instability, shifting donor demographics,
expenses, and developing robust financial strategies. By operation costs and resource allocation, and a changing
adopting innovative funding models such as social en- regulatory environment. Regarding funding instability,
terprises and earned income initiatives, organizations a study produced by Pancouver revealed that nearly 90
can reduce their dependence on traditional donations percent of the nonprofits surveyed relied on a single
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such as grants and ticket sales, thereby minimizing fi- dominant revenue stream, thus making them vul-
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nancial risk. In 2025, it is expected that nonprofits will nerable to financial instability. Uncertainty surrounds
increasingly need to explore non-traditional revenue investment income; foundation support, endowment
streams to ensure continuity and resilience 6 withdrawals, and market downturns add to the already
Sustainability involves the ability to maintain an orga- precarious financial landscape as donors reassess their
nization’s artistic and operational mission over the long giving based on investment performance.
term. While finances are a consideration, the capacity to As for shifting donor demographics, younger gener-
adapt and thrive amidst changing cultural and economic ations, including Millennials and Gen Z, are becoming
landscapes is paramount. Key aspects of sustainability influential in philanthropic endeavors but are very often
encompass strategic planning, resource diversification, prioritizing social justice, environmental sustainability,
and strong stakeholder engagement. These ensure that and giving transparency. This has and will create a
organizations can continue to serve their communities shift in our organizations as we adapt to the changing
effectively. A clear and concise mission is vital for guiding preferences that emphasize authentic communication
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all aspects of a nonprofit’s work. Ensuring mission clarity about mission and impact. We must re-evaluate engagement
can help align staff and board efforts while promoting a strategies to attract and retain these emerging donor segments.
focused approach to achieving long-term goals. Investing Have you been to the grocery store lately? We can
in capacity building and staff development is crucial for all see the increase in operational costs. Insurance and
maintaining a skilled workforce capable of meeting the staffing have placed a further strain on the financial
challenges. Additionally, effective volunteer management resources of nonprofits. Increased premiums and costs
should be implemented to maximize community engage- associated with recruitment and retention add another
ment and support. By actively engaging our volunteers, layer of complexity that further highlights the need for
we ensure that our organizations can leverage the unique strategic financial planning and resources allocation.
skills and perspectives our volunteers bring to the table. 8 Perhaps trickiest of all is the regulatory landscape that
Beyond our in-house operations, building strong is in constant flux with new laws and regulations that
partnerships and engaging with the community are affect compliance requirements and fundraising prac-
fundamental to the sustainability of nonprofits. Col- tices. We must remain vigilant and adaptable to these

46 CHORAL JOURNAL May 2025 Volume 65 Number 8