Small arts organizations often operate with tight margins, volunteer capacity, and income that can shift month to month. This interactive workshop presented by Capacity Canada demystifies budgeting by walking participants through the core building blocks of an annual budget—revenue assumptions, expense categories, timelines, and cash flow—using examples that reflect how arts groups actually work. We also explore how to budget when funding is uncertain (for example, when you’re waiting on grant decisions), and how to track and report finances in a way that strengthens accountability and funder readiness without creating unnecessary administrative burden.
Meet Your Facilitators
Blair Dimock, Executive in Residence
Blair is a recently retired executive with more than 30 years of experience leading mission driven organizations across the broader public sector. Most recently, he served as Vice President, Partnerships and Measurement at the Ontario Trillium Foundation, following senior leadership roles at TVOntario and the Ontario Premier’s Council. Throughout his career, Blair has led strategies focused on innovation, outcomes measurement, cross sector collaboration, and strong governance practices.
Liz Forsberg, Executive in Residence
Liz Forsberg brings over 20 years of leadership across the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, with deep experience strengthening arts, culture, and community based organizations. She has served as an executive director, foundation leader, and strategic advisor, bringing both operational and board level perspectives. Most recently, Liz led partnerships and arts and culture strategy at the Ontario Trillium Foundation, working closely with boards and executive teams across Ontario. She brings a practical, equity informed approach to governance and organizational capacity building grounded in accountability and long term sustainability.