Developed an Initial National ASO List
To date, we’ve requested data from the Internal Revenue Service IRS), SMU Data Arts, and National Association of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) to create an initial list of all possible ASOs operating in the United States yielding ~16K records. In order to study the universe of nonprofit ASOs, we identified eight codes within the National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) system that would be most likely to include ASOs. We then exported this subset of 501(c)3 data for review and analysis.
Created a Literature Review
We also analyzed 75+ existing publications as a part of the development of a literary review, with 15 specifically focused on ASOs.
Engaged in Outreach Activities
We engaged in a series of outreach activities to spread the word about the research process and ways folks could get involved. These activities included:
- Contact 350+ ASO leaders across the United States via email, gathering 130+ interest form submissions in response.
- Present about the research at 5 ASO affinity group meetings and field conferences.
- Share details on the research to 4 listservs, including Grantmakers in the Arts and Creative States Coalition.
Invited ASO Leaders to join ASO Advisory Cohort
One key component of the research process is the establishment of an advisory cohort of ASO leaders and experts who will help guide the development of the research methodology and ensure that every aspect of the study is grounded in the experiences of the people leading and impacted by this work. We received overwhelming interest in the Advisory Cohort, with 65+ self-nominations representing ASOs in 20+ states and every region in the United States. Invitations have gone out to 15 leaders and we hope to announce the group in our next research update.
