Business and Legal Services

Our sector is more resilient when creatives and creative organizations have access to the right tools and knowledge.

The Volunteer Business and Legal Services for the Arts program connects Southwestern Pennsylvania’s creative sector with experienced professionals offering:

• Legal Services — including contract drafting and review, intellectual property, copyright, nonprofit formation, employee and labor issues, and more.
• Business Strategy — such as financial planning, budgeting, business structure, executive coaching, development and fundraising, and IT support.
• Marketing & Communications — covering brand strategy, digital presence, and audience engagement.
• Human Resources — including hiring practices, personnel policies, and navigating employee or contractor concerns.

How It Works

1. Submit a Request - Complete the short intake form below to tell us about your needs. (After you submit your intake form, a member of the Arts Council team will respond within two business days. The time it takes to match your request with a volunteer varies based on the nature of your request and the availability of volunteers.)
2. Get Matched - We’ll use your intake form to pair you with a qualified volunteer. For non-members, payment is required before being connected to a volunteer: $75 for Individuals and $150 for Organizations.
3. Connect and Collaborate - You’ll be introduced to your volunteer, who will then provide you with expert guidance.
4. Fill Out a Service Assessment

Please note: Each individual or organization is limited to 1 Volunteer Business Professional Request and 1 Volunteer Lawyers Request per year.
 

Submit a Request for Services

Eligibility Requirements

Creatives

If you are an individual living in Allegheny County and have an income below 250% of the federal poverty level (as defined annually by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services), you may apply for assistance. Your request must be directly related to your personal arts practice or creative business.

Required Documentation:

To verify eligibility, you must submit your most recent tax return with your application.

Creative Organizations

Nonprofit arts organizations based in Southwestern Pennsylvania with an operating budget under $1,000,000 in the most recent fiscal year are eligible for support with arts-related business or legal issues.

Required Documentation:

To verify eligibility, you must submit your most recent IRS 990 form with your application.