Frequently Asked Questions

Below are links to many valuable sites for starting and maintaining a not-for-profit organization.  As an arts incubator, the Arts and Entertainment Management Project at the Athenaeum, provides these links for the benefit of our members.

Starting an Organization

How do I build a board of directors?

mbareford@gmail.com

Where do I find prospective Board members?

http://www.artsbiz-chicago.org

Obtaining 501c3 Status

How do I incorporate my not for profit organization?

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/ (Secretary of State, Illinois)
Home > Departments > Business Services > Publications And Forms > Not-For-Profit Corporations

Grant Organizations / How to Write Grants

How do I learn about organizations that donate money?

http://www.fdncenter.org

Where do I learn to write grants?

http://www.donorsforum.org

Marketing Tips

License/Copyright Issues

How do I copyright my creative work?

http://www.loc.gov/copyright

Resources for Not-For-Profit Organizations Once Up and Running

How do I build a board of directors?

mbareford@gmail.com

Where do I find prospective Board members?

http://www.artsbiz-chicago.org

How can I network with other not for profit organizations?

http://www.cityofchicago.org/culturalaffairs

Is there inexpensive office and performance space available in Chicago?

Office space: Call Fred Solari (773) 935-6860
Performance space: Call Fred Solari (773) 935-6860
Rehearsal space: http://www.dancechicago.com/htmls/rehearsalspace.asp

Politics and the Arts

Are there organizations that lobby for the arts?

http://www.capawiz.com/artsusa/il/mlm

Are there organizations that encourage creative people to get involved directly in politics?

tom@creativeamerica.us