On the Web: www.AmericansForTheArts.org/BCA     By E-mail: [email protected]

 An e-bulletin of the national Business Committee for the Arts (BCA), a division of Americans for the Arts, to demonstrate the value of business-arts partnerships across the United States.

FACTS & FIGURES

Target Giving to Remain Steady
Despite laying off 1,000 employees and planned store closures, Target will continue giving five percent of pre-tax profits to charity. In 2008, Target gave $169 million in grants and in-kind services nationally. For more information: www.startribune.com.

Nonprofits Worried About Executive Pay Limits
Nonprofits that depend upon Wall Street executives and others in the financial services industry for donations are concerned about the impact of executive pay limits on donations. Detroit, already hurt by cuts in donations from the auto industry, must also contend with cuts in senior executives pay at GM. For more information: www.wsj.com.

BCA EVENTS

Nominations Close March 6 for THE BCA TEN
If you know a company that has made exceptional investments in the arts, nominate it for THE BCA TEN: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America. Nominations close March 6, 2009.  For more information and to nominate a company, visit www.AmericansForTheArts.org/go/BCA10.

TAKE NOTE

McDonald's Sponsors New York Fashion Week
To promote its line of lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate, McDonald's sponsored a McCafe lounge in the tents of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York where fashion week attendees were able to get free coffee beverages. McDonald's signed up for one year but might extend its sponsorship. For more information: www.crainsnewyork.com.

Armani Teams Up with the Fund for Public Schools
To celebrate the opening of the new store Armani/5th Avenue, Armani provided a significant grant to the Fund for Public Schools to create the Armani Arts Institute. The institute will provide arts programs in underserved New York City public schools. For information: www.fashionandrunway.com

Altria Donates Art to Whitney Museum
Altria, which moved its headquarters to Richmond, VA, from New York City in 2008, donated 150 art works from its collection to the Whitney Museum of American Art. From 1983–2008, the Whitney had a branch location in Altria's headquarters in New York City. The two organizations have had a partnership since 1967 which included an acquisition fund and special exhibition sponsorship. For information: www.nytimes.com.

SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE

"Northwestern Mutual is fortunate to be headquartered in a city with a thriving arts community. The arts encourage creativity, expand understanding of the world around us, and stimulate the economy. Our employees and our Foundation are proud to work together as champions of the arts."
-Edward J. Zore, President and CEO, Northwestern Mutual