Nonprofit know-how

Dance Magazine, Dec, 2004 by Karen Marks

I am considering getting nonprofit status for my dance company so that I can receive grants, but I've been told that if I go nonprofit my company won't belong to me. I've also heard that I might be able to partner with a nonprofit organization to sponsor me and my company. Where should I go for advice to figure out what will work best for my needs?

KAREN MARKS

GOLSTON POLYNESIAN DANCE COMPANY

DETROIT, MI

DM Responds:

Almost all dance companies eventually obtain not-for-profit status or become associated with a nonprofit umbrella organization that can serve as a conduit for contributions. If you are earning plenty of fees and box office income, then you may be financially stable enough to incorporate yourself. Choose your board of directors for their desire and ability to support your work, and you will never feel that the legal entity is slipping away from you. For information on how to incorporate, consult Dance/USA, a national advocacy organization, at www.danceusa.org, or Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, which gives legal services to artists, at www.vlany.org.