Executive Director's Report

executive_directors_report.pdf
File Size: 51 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Finances
  • Cash flow: Similar to last year, I expect there will be a fairly lean time just ahead of Cantus Idol before we rebound. Although I am just beginning work on FY19 budget and cash flow, I anticipate September will also be a lean time, as it has been in previous years.

  • Jan. 16-30:           $52,284
  • Feb. 1-15:            $61,099
  • Feb. 16-28:          $54,286
  • March 1-15:         $56,091
  • March 16-31:      $57,146
  • April 1-15:           $45,200
  • April 16-30:         $18,983
  • May 1-15:            ($4,790)
  • May 16-31:          $20,793

  • Reforecast: I’m currently working on a midyear budget reforecast to share with the Finance Committee next month.
 
Fundraising
  • Grants:
    • Minnesota State Arts Board: General operating support interim application submitted. Applicants can’t request a specific amount; awards a decided through a formula based on funds available, budget size, and merit. Last year, we received approx. $53K.
    • McKnight Foundation: LOI for a renewed, two-year general operating grant submitted. Last year, we received $30K (second year of a two-year $60K grant); this time I requested $80K over two years.
    • Wenger Foundation: Cantus received a renewed grant of $5K.
    • Heilmaier Foundation: Cantus received an increased grant of $5K (up from $3,500).  
  • Planned Giving: A longtime Cantus supporter called in December to say that she was including the organization in her estate planning and to request some documentation for her lawyer.
 
General and Admin
  • 360s: All singers and staff completed their peer review process. I compiled the data and met with each person individually in December to discuss the anonymized, aggregated feedback.
  • Harassment Policy: With guidance from a pro bono lawyer who specializes in employment law, we have developed a company policy on sexual harassment.
  • Kennedy Center: In December, I used an airline voucher to travel to hear the singers perform at the Kennedy Center and to meet with Alliance Artist Management. The concert was a resounding success, and it’s wonderful to watch how well new audiences respond to the group – with energy and enthusiasm on par with our Twin Cities audiences.