Nonprofit community opera company

Ticket buyers, foundations and arts councils giving grants, local businesses sponsoring shows, and individual donors and subscribers.

A mix of ticket sales, grants, sponsorships and donations. Grants and donations often cover a large share of costs, but they take time to win and are not guaranteed.

• Grant writing and fundraising
• Producing and project management
• Music or stage direction knowledge
• Building a volunteer board and team

• Forming a nonprofit and applying to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status takes time and fees, so check the current requirements, or consider a fiscal sponsor first
• State rules for charitable solicitation and nonprofit registration vary, so check with your state
• Grant income is competitive and can arrive late, so keep a cash buffer
• Performance rights and union agreements may apply, so check with publishers and AGMA
• General liability insurance, workers' compensation if you hire, and venue insurance requirements

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on how many productions you stage, your venue rentals, any paid professionals and the fees involved in forming the nonprofit. Grant income can arrive late, so keep a cash buffer.

Check the current requirements and fees for forming a nonprofit and applying to the IRS for 501(c)(3) status, or consider a fiscal sponsor first. Check your state's charitable solicitation and registration rules, performance rights, AGMA agreements and insurance needs.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on ticket sales, grants and sponsors. Grant income is competitive and can arrive late, so treat this as an estimate and plan your cash flow.