Arts Quincy receives BBB Torch Award for Ethics for second time

QUINCY — Arts Quincy recently was awarded the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Nonprofit Ethics.

The program recognizes commitment to the highest level of nonprofit ethics and accountability. Arts Quincy is the first nonprofit in the region to become a two-time torch award winner, first receiving the award in 2017.

In a press release, Laura Sievert, Arts Quincy executive director, said, “Today’s donors are very savvy and want to make sure that every single dollar they contribute to a local nonprofit is making the biggest impact that it can. Having a Better Business Bureau certification lets our donors know at a glance that our ethical standards in both governance and fiscal accountability have been independently verified and that they can be confident that their contribution will be making a difference and expanding arts access right here where they live.”

In addition to being a marketing and advocacy arm for 55 area nonprofits in visual art, music, theatre, history and literacy,  Arts Quincy is active in bringing arts programing to local schools. More than 7,500 students at 17 public and parochial schools throughout Adams County will participate in the Arts Quincy’s Classroom Arts Access Program during the school year.

“Our overall audited fiscal statements show that 84 cents of every dollar our donors invest in our agency goes right back out to programs,” Sievert said. “Part of the way we maintain this level of efficacy is to negotiate with vendors and service providers to lower costs. The arts education program has average expenditures per child served to under $4.50. This figure includes supplies or transportation for their music, art, theatre or humanities experience. It’s s something we work very hard to keep as low as possible so we can keep serving more students.”

Sievert believes it’s crucial to work with professional organizations like the BBB to demonstrate that Arts Quincy is committed to the highest standards in nonprofit practices. To become a BBB Accredited Nonprofit, an organization must meet 20 Better Business Bureau standards for charity accountability on topics such as board oversight, low administrative overhead, program and fundraising expenses, truthful marketing and transparency in governance. 

“The Better Business Bureau certification and TORCH Award are such an asset to an organization like Arts Quincy,” Sievert said. “Arts Quincy has been a pillar of Quincy since 1947 and continues to be recognized for supporting quality arts programming that contributes to the culture and economy of our area.”

Arts Quincy’s recent award history includes being awarded the American Prize Honored Arts Organization for 2022, the American Prize in Arts Marketing for 2020 and 2021, and NEA Challenge America awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023.