
Don’t Make Us Cry
Posted May 02, 2024 | Financial Matters,
Not long ago, we heard from yet another small nonprofit art organization that lost its tax-exempt status. Why? No one remembered to file the organization’s IRS 990-N. Also known as the e-Postcard, the form is used by tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts are normally $50,000 or less. The...

Election Year Warning From the IRS
Posted Jan 10, 2024 | Legal Issues,
by Sue Greenberg, executive director As the presidential election approaches, don’t let your enthusiasm jeopardize your arts organization’s tax-exempt status. Be aware that 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office. The prohibition applies...

Re-Opening Plan Guidance
Posted Jul 28, 2020 | News & Events,
March 2022 Update With case numbers plummeting, some cultural organizations and venues are relaxing their safety protocols. Missouri ArtsSafe posted updates on February 25— all based on CDC guidance. If you make changes to your online safety plan, please make sure you maintain the same URL; otherwise, it will break...

To Rep. Clay re: Mixed Earner Pandemic Unemployment Bill
Posted Jul 06, 2020 | News & Events,
Dear Rep. Clay: Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Judy Chu are recruiting Democrats in the House to be cosponsors of the Mixed Earner Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act. I’m writing to encourage you to sign on. The proposed legislation would ensure that thousands of St. Louis creatives, who normally cobble...

3 Takeaways: Why Medicaid Expansion Makes Sense
Posted Jul 05, 2020 | News & Events,
Health insurance and healthcare policies are quickly becoming an essential part of daily life in America. With the cost of living rising along with medical spending costs, people can no longer afford to be uninsured. Health insurance policies have in turn become diversified and more accessible so that they...

Unemployment Assistance During the Pandemic: What Missouri Artists and Creative Workers Need to Know
Posted Apr 23, 2020 | News & Events,
Self-employed artists, freelancers, independent contractors and gig workers whose businesses have been impacted by the coronavirus are applying for — and are now receiving — unemployment benefits. Under the CARES Act, those who qualify may be eligible for weekly benefits ranging from $133 to $320 per week, plus a...

3 Takeaways: Anatomy of a Contract
Posted Apr 15, 2020 | News & Events,
1. Putting it in writing will avoid “he said, she said,” clarify the agreement, reinforce the commitments, serve as reliable record of the agreement, and may be required by law (e.g. transferring copyright ownership). 2. Before you start negotiating, know what you want (then don’t be afraid to ask...

CARES Act Unemployment for Independent Contractors, Freelancers, Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Posted Apr 07, 2020 | News & Events,
Thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, many artists and creative workers, who cobble their incomes together from multiple sources, will soon be eligible for “safety net” unemployment benefits. The CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, expands eligibility to nontraditional workers such as...

3 Takeaways: Public Speaking for Creatives
Posted Apr 01, 2020 | News & Events,
1. Approach public speaking like an actor prepares and then performs. Be authentic. Be invested. Be truthful. Believe in your material. That means doing your inner homework. 2. Prepare your script then practice, practice, practice — out loud. 3. Chose to WANT to be speaking. Begin confidently. Speak with...