Do you recommend I pay out-of-pocket to proceed with my production while I wait for the results from the arts councils and funders I applied to?
Presenting a full-scale or reduced production can be costly, and we highly recommend against pushing forward with your show until you secure your funding. There are many variables to consider and attend to when you present your work, and it can be extremely stressful, not to mention unaffordable. Arts leaders can use this period to reflect on their dance projects to perfect their plans and defer to the following year to showcase your work to the public (once funding is secured, that allows you to sustain the project).
When is it too late for DUO to accept a project?
We only accept dance projects within these timeframes: 3 months in advance of the event premiere to plan and execute your production; 10 business days from grant deadlines for review. Of course, the earlier, the better!
How long do I need to come for you for a grant review?
The minimum is 14 business days per grant application. DUO’s grant review service is a process of going back and forth with you until you feel the grant is ready. If you are thinking about working with us on a show that uses multiple funders, we suggest working with us between 8 months to 1 year in advance to plan out time to apply for your grants and reapply if you have to reapply. Grants are competitive, and it can take more than one round to fund an aspect of your project. Please note if you are new to applying for grants, you must set up accounts in the online grant portals and have confirmation before coming to DUO for grant review.
Is it necessary to incorporate?
The short answer here is no. It is unnecessary to incorporate to pursue a career in dance, create, produce, or tour your choreography and access government project grants. Many Dance Artists have successfully managed their careers as independent artists without becoming an incorporated entity.
BUT, incorporating your dance business does have some additional benefits that are important to consider. For example, specific grant programs are only available to incorporated companies, core and operating grants, to be exact. Additionally, only incorporated non-profits can apply for charitable status, which would allow the company to issue tax receipts and access funding from foundations.
Another benefit is an established Board of Directors, who can guide the organization and provide financial oversight and leadership.
All of that to say, that founding an incorporated organization comes with increased administrative work, including;
holding regular Board Meetings,
establishing by-laws, vision, mission and mandate,
standard tax and government information act filings, i.e. Form 1,
and ensuring payroll – contract vs employees are appropriately categorized for tax purposes.
What type of incorporation is best for Dance companies?
If you are looking to access government grants, nonprofit incorporation (incorporation without share capital) is mandatory. For-profit organizations are unable to access government funding.
Non-profit incorporation types include;
- Sole Proprietorship
- Federal nonprofit
- Provincial nonprofit
Can I accept donations for my dance company as a non-charitable entity?
In the age of crowdfunding, many non-profits are seeking donations without a charitable number. For dance businesses who wish to pursue fundraising but do not have a charitable status are permitted to raise money through personal networks but make sure to clarify to donors that a ‘no tax receipt’ will be issued for the donations received. We would advise clients to speak with their tax accountant about how donation income will be claimed for the company before soliciting donations publicly.
What type of services does DUO’s administrative and production department provide?
DUO can support your business at an administrative level by helping to incorporate your nonprofit, applying for charitable status, developing best-governance practices, drafting by-laws, policies and employment contracts for your organization. We work in consultation with our clients on financial management, budgeting and planning. To ensure your project and business are financially sound. We are also skilled at navigating all government funding levels and can help you work within said systems to help get your project funded.
When you move into production, DUO can help establish your Critical Path to meet project deliverables, including but not limited to;
Artist and technicians contracts,
Budget management,
Venue bookings/rentals,
Project communications with third-party contacts,
Outreach list development, school showing bookings,
Contract review and negotiation.
There has been a slight shift in the production items that DUO can support; previously, we were on-site with our clients. We now encourage clients to hire an on-site producer to help with box-office, complimentary tickets, front of house and reception activities. We have found that we are more effective working within the office as a professional touchpoint for artists who often are ‘on the go’ and in rehearsals. Presenters, venues and artists enjoy having someone reachable during business hours with knowledge of the project.