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Strengthening Cultural Institutions
For more than twenty years, the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation has provided support to New York
City's cultural community. During this period, we have attempted to structure our grants program so
that it is flexible and meets the needs of the institutions and organizations that comprise this universe.
In the course of our work, we have monitored changes in the economy and the political climate and
their impact on our grantees. Most recently, we have watched as Congress reduced the appropriation
level for the National Endowment for the Arts by 40%. Moreover, threats to eliminate the agency altogether
have arisen because a few elected officials find the work of some NEA grantees to be offensive.
Finally, we have observed that corporations and foundations have begun to shift support away from
the arts and into social programs in response to the increasingly controversial nature of arts funding
and the implementation of substantial reductions in social spending at all levels of government. In
analyzing these phenomena, it is clear that the issues of public support and freedom of expression are
essential questions facing the artistic community as we approach the 21st century.
These observations have served to reinforce our belief in the importance of helping cultural institutions
improve their management of resources. The strategies employed by our grantees include:
" Increasing earned income as a percentage of total operating budget;
" Improving internal management;
" Reducing operating costs through resource sharing; and
• Increasing contributions from individuals.
We are convinced that diversification of financial support is essential for organizational survival during
periods when traditional sources of funding contract. As government and corporate support
decline, those organizations that are successful in reducing their dependence on such support will
enjoy a competitive advantage in surviving periods of financial austerity.
While most of our funds are allocated for these purposes, the Foundation also makes grants to promote
artistic freedom and to educate the public about the importance of the arts in a democratic society.
Since this program was established in 1990, the Foundation has awarded nearly two million dollars
for grants in pursuit of these objectives. In reviewing the recent actions of Congress, it is clear that
the need for this kind of support remains critical. Controversies surrounding the National Endowment
for the Arts continue to rage, providing a convenient platform for conservative politicians seeking a
spotlight and a lucrative fundraising "cause" for Radical Right organizations. It is our hope that the
work of our grantees will help protect First Amendment rights for future generations.