Phase One
A small group, with a creative idea, works for love, and presents to family and friends in free/very low cost venues. Informal board comprised of family and friends.

Phase Two
Group does repeated projects for broader audience, gets small grants, shares tasks as a “working board;” Still budgets from project to project, but begins to plan ahead and build name recognition.

Phase Three
Group has mission, vision, links past projects to future projects, and begins to plan/budget for a full season and year: Has first paid staff, builds audience, raises funds; works to expand board.

Phase Four
Mission is widely recognized. Plans artistically and financially for 2-3 years; builds brand and new audience. Has organizational infrastructure and paid staff for most key functions. Diversifies sources of income; focuses on board development.

Phase Five
Clear mission and artistic vision define market and brand. Established infrastructure and human resources for all key functions. Board is structured, committed and takes the lead in fundraising. Funding is from multiple sources and sufficient to meet goals; plans artistically and financially for at least 3 years.

Phase Six
Artistic vision and brand is nationally known and shapes all programs. Organization plans for 3 – 5 years. Board and volunteers work in committees, and organization is highly structured. Fundraising pyramid is robust. Organization invests for the future.

Find additional information on planning in the Planning Toolkit on the National Endowment for the Arts website, and the Alliance for Nonprofit Management website.