Business & Legal Services for Organizations

Receive hands-on guidance through the process of writing a business plan for your art organization. Business plan development typically includes strategies for implementing a new product, service, or business venture, OR assessing the viability of current program offerings in the local market. The plan will identify goals both for revenue and mission fulfillment.

A volunteer consultant will perform an audit of your communications materials, including identity pieces (logo, letterhead, and signage), brochures, advertising, print and electronic newsletters, tickets and envelopes, websites, social media, press kits, email marketing, and press releases. The volunteer will recommend changes that will improve clarity and consistency of your design and messaging.

A volunteer consultant will review the organization’s accounting system and suggest ways it can run more efficiently and with the proper internal controls. Accounting processes and procedures to be reviewed include: the chart of accounts, posting of gifts and grants, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations, and internal controls

Have a legal volunteer review an arts-related contract - either yours or one you’re considering signing - to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions.

If you’re encountering issues with copyrighting or trademarking your artistic content, a legal volunteer can assist you in the appropriate steps to protect your creative property.

Are you interested in implementing or improving your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system? CRMs gather data from all of your constituents (ticket-buyers, donors, vendors, volunteers, etc.) into one streamlined system. The consultant will help the organization understand its data management needs, will help to choose an appropriate CRM solution, and will advise on how to organize existing data for transition into the CRM.

A volunteer consultant will review the organization’s financial reporting needs and help to create customized report templates for board meetings, funding proposals, donor solicitations, the PA Cultural Data Project (PACDP) profile, and more. The consultant may then suggest changes that would help the organization with financial reporting moving forward.

A volunteer consultant will guide you through the process of writing a strategic marketing plan, which defines communications goals, objects, target markets, creative strategies, and the most effective communication vehicles for your art business.

A volunteer consultant will help you write a social media plan that identifies goals and measurable objectives for each platform. The volunteer will also train you on how to use analytics tools as necessary.

Receive assistance in identifying the appropriate legal entity for an artist and preparing the formation documents. The volunteer attorney will also provide advice about good governance practices. Volunteer attorneys can also assist in the preparation of the application to the IRS to qualify for nonprofit status.

A volunteer attorney will provide advice regarding disputes in the arts community. We emphasize resolving disputes with negotiations and mediation rather than adversarial lawsuits.

Get advice on employment law policies and practices, including independent contractor status, employment contracts, and employment handbooks.

Receive a customized retreat plan for your board and key staff members. During the retreat, the board and staff can dig into key strategic and governance issues facing the organization. The organization will come away from the retreat with a renewed sense of mission and a focus on the challenges ahead.

A volunteer consultant will guide the staff and board through the process of writing a strategic plan, which defines or redefines the direction of an organization (generally for the next two to five years). Strategic planning begins with a focus on the organization’s mission, vision, and values, establishes goals to support that mission, and identifies strategies to achieve the outlined goals. 

Get assistance with developing a technology plan for your organization. These plans determine the cost and optimal configuration of hardware, software, and technology services. The consultant can also review the technology policy to ensure adequate security, back-up procedures, document retention, and a disaster recovery plan.

If you have a different business or legal need, please suggest it when you apply or contact businessandlegal@pittsburghartscouncil.org to discuss.