Arts & Economic Prosperity III released

On June 6, 2007, The Illinois Arts Alliance and Americans for the Arts, in partnership with the Chicago Arts & Business Council, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and the MacArthur Foundation released Arts & Economic Prosperity III, the latest data showing the impact of the non-profit arts and cultural industries and their audiences on our local economy.  The study, part of a national research project that also included Champaign County, indicated that Chicago nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and their audiences generate $1.09 billion in local economic activity.  For more information, visit http://www.artsalliance.org/r_prosperity.shtml or http://www.artsusa.org/information_resources/research_information/services/economic_impact/default.asp. 

IRS Releases Draft Form 990 for Public Comment

The IRS recently released a draft of the first major re-design of the Form 990 since 1979. The re-designed version of the Form 990, Return of Organizations Exempt from Income Tax, proposes significant changes to the ways in which public charities and other exempt organizations will report information on finances, fundraising activities, governance, executive and board compensation, and program services. The IRS has stated that it anticipates using the new form for the 2008 tax year (returns filed in 2009).  The IRS will accept public comments on the draft form until September 14, 2007.  You can see the full draft of Form 990, summary materials, and more information on how to submit comments on the IRS website. 

Ensure Your Web Site Is Accessible
From TechSoup: Making your Web site accessible to everyone who visits it can help you extend your organization's online reach, giving you the opportunity to attract more volunteers, donors, and members. Use this downloadable worksheet to test your Web site for a number of common, high-level accessibility problems.  http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/access/page6087.cfm

Anti-Spyware Toolkit
From TechSoup: Spyware infections can be irritating and even dangerous, but they're not incurable. Learn how to prevent and remove spyware with this collection of articles, resources, and software.  http://www.techsoup.org/toolkits/antispyware/page7080.cfm

National Association of Latino Arts and Culture Fund for the Arts
The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture is dedicated to the preservation, development, and promotion of the cultural and artistic  expressions of the diverse Latino populations of the United  States.  Deadline: July 16, 2007.  http://www.nalac.org/

Lego Children's Fund to Support Youth Creativity Programs
Lego Systems, Inc. has announced the formation of the Lego Children's Fund, a nonprofit foundation established to support organizations and programs dedicated to inspiring and encouraging youth creativity,  thereby improving their quality of life and preparing them for the future.  Deadline: Quarterly (February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1).  http://www.legochildrensfund.org/

The Case Foundation's  "Make It Your Own" Awards

The Make It Your Own Awards, a new initiative from the Case Foundation, launched on June 26, is about giving grants, tools, and recognition to people who are coming together to discuss what matters, form solutions, and take action. Twenty semi-finalists will each receive $10,000 grants to start bringing their ideas to life. Four final grant recipients will then be chosen by the public using an online voting system. These finalists will each be awarded an additional $25,000 grant.  Deadline: August 8, 2007.  http://www.casefoundation.org/make-it-your-own/awards?source=partnerNL_YSA

OVATION TV Awards: Call for Video Submissions
Ovation TV, a national cable network dedicated to arts programming, will recognize quality cultural programming suitable for television broadcasting. Local arts organizations are asked to submit entries, consisting of video content in the areas of performing arts, visual arts, and artists' profiles. Winning submissions will be broadcast on Ovation TV and the nominating or submitting organizations will receive awards of $5,000-$10,000.  Deadline: August 11, 2007.  http://www.AmericansForTheArts.org/go/Ovation

Call for Nominations for the 2007 Arts Friendly Community Awards
The Illinois Municipal League (IML) and the Illinois Arts Alliance are seeking submissions for the Illinois Arts Friendly Community Awards to be presented at the IML Annual Conference in Chicago on October 20.  The purpose of the awards is to recognize municipal support of the arts in Illinois communities and to honor municipal leaders who have encouraged innovative approaches to using the arts to build healthy communities.  One Presidents' Choice Award will be presented to a community with a population of under 20,000 and a second award to a community with a population greater than 20,000.  Honorable Mention certificates will be awarded to all communities meeting the criteria for an Arts Friendly Community.  Communities will be recognized at the Illinois Municipal League luncheon on Saturday October 20, 2007.  Application deadline is September 6, 2007.  http://www.artsalliance.org/lac_awards.shtml. 

American Composers Forum Support for Performance of New Works by Living Composers
The American Composers Forum seeks to encourage U.S. performers (both individuals and ensembles) to add newly created works by living composers to their repertoires through its Encore incentive grants. The program also aims to assist composers in securing premiere and  post-premiere performances that are vital to building a career.  Deadline: October 1, 2007. http://www.composersforum.org/.

American Management Association and Leader to Leader Institute Scholarship Program for Nonprofit Leaders
The American Management Association and the Leader to Leader Institute have established the AMA Scholarship Program to assist social sector nonprofit organizations in developing "the strong leaders today who will lead the organizations of the future."  Deadline: November 15, 2007.  http://leadertoleader.org 

Surdna Foundation Arts Program - Creative Writing Residencies for Teens
The Surdna Foundation's arts program, which funds organizations that provide intensive art-making experiences for teens, is launching a new initiative in support  of young creative writers.  Deadline: Open.  http://www.surdna.org/

Administrative Expenses: Fund or Not to Fund...that is the Question 

Join the Donors Forum as they dialogue with grantmakers on the funding of overhead expenses. Hear what grantmakers have to say about the impact overhead expenses can have on achieving your mission.  Wednesday, July 18, 9:00 am  - 11:30 am.  Spertus Institute,
618 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago.  http://www.donorsforum.org/calendar/npcalendar.html#Fund.

Chicago Council on Planned Giving summer master's class

"Thanks for Your Gift, But . . . Protecting the Charity in Planned Giving," presented by Monty Newlin, J.D., and "Adventures in Charitable Planned Giving: Navigating the Murky Waters of Charitable Giving with Clients," presented by Jarrett T. Bostwick, J.D.  Tuesday, July 24, 2007.  DePaul University, 1 East Jackson Blvd, Room 8005, Eighth Floor Conference Center, Chicago.  Call 847-251-1400 for information and to register.

Internal Controls for Small Non-profit Organizations

Learn how small organizations can develop strong internal controls over their operations and accounting systems. CPAs for the Public Interest.  Date: August 3, 2007, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Spertus Institute, 618 S. Michigan Ave.  Cost: $85.  For more information visit http://www.cpaspi.org/

Major Gifts & Sustainable Fundraising Panel Discussion
Free seminar presented by Tammy Zonker on how to become more effective at inspiring others about the mission of your favorite nonprofit organization.  Sessions will be held on August 9, 2007 in Chicago at Sheil Park from 9:00 - 12:00 OR in Schaumburg at the Prairie Center for the Arts from 2:30 - 4:30.    http://sforce.benevon.com/intros/midwest.htm, or Contact Alaina Szlachta at (206) 428-2158 or alaina.szlachta@benevon.com for more information.

How to Improve Board/CEO Relationships, Communications and Productivity

Make the best use of your leaders' time and energy. August 16, 2007, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.  Donors Forum of Chicago, 208 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 735, Chicago.  http://www.donorsforum.org

The 2008 Illinois State Budget: Impact on the Philanthropic and Nonprofit Community

Donors Forum will host a briefing on the Illinois state budget. Hear what experts have to say about the areas of the state budget that will have the greatest impact on the nonprofit sector and get answers to your questions.  Wednesday, September 12, 9:00 - 11:00 am.  Carbondale, Illinois.  Additional details, including location and speakers, will be announced.  www.donorsforum.org.

Present Like a Pro: Public Speaking Basics
Learn the basics or enhance your comfort level and confidence by learning what presentation style works best for you.  $135.  September 19, 2007 ; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Community Media Workshop, 619 S. Wabash, Suite 201, Chicago. http://www.newstips.org/register/index.php?section=Workshop&calendar_id=100

Philanthropy Builds Community: Laying the Groundwork for the Future
AFP Midwest Regional Conference.  October 4, 2007.  Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers, Cityfront Center.  http://www.afpchicago.org/afp_conf/.

Creativity in Context: Building a Framework

Alliance of Artists Communities Annual Conference.  November 7-10, 2007.  Washington, D.C.  http://www.artistcommunities.org/conference07.html. 

National Trust Historic Theatre Workshop

On November 8-10, 2007 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the Midwest Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation is sponsoring a two and a half day workshop on the restoration and sustainable use of historic theatres.  http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/hp/workshop/.

Jennifer Armstrong Joins the Illinois Arts Council Staff
Jennifer Armstrong, formerly Executive Director of 40 North|88 West, Champaign County Arts, Culture and Entertainment Council, has joined the Illinois Arts Council staff as their new Director of Community Arts Development Programs, where she will work closely with Local Arts Agencies and communities.

Oskar Schindler Exhibit Travels to Monmouth
Buchanan Center for the Arts will host an exhibition entitled "SCHINDLER", which is on loan from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., August 25, 2006 - October 25, 2007.  http://bcaarts.org/Schindler_Web.htm

Plummer named Skokie Sculpture Park Director
Chris Plummer has been named Director of the Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park, effective June 1.  Plummer replaces Brooke Marler, who held that position for the past three years.  Plummer, who lives in Gurnee, teaches Art History and Ceramic Art at the College of Lake County in Grayslake and is the Ceramic Department Head and teacher at the Park District of Highland Park.  More information about the Park is available online at www.sculpturepark.org.

What's New in Your Patch of the Prairie?
Share your news!  Send submissions to simpson@artsalliance.org with the subject heading: Locals Online Submission.