Why did Opera Boston abruptly shut down. The company, it turns out, couldn’t recover from largely being abandoned by its biggest booster. It’s deficit had grown from about $250,000 in July to $500,000 by Christmas. With an expensive February production scheduled, “The Midsummer Marriage,’’ the board projected falling as much as $1 million in debt. That’s for an organization with a $2.5 million budget. Dropping the curtain on a an organization with a reputation for creative programming seemed the only solution.
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Sadly, it's too late for Opera Boston. Each board member shares in the blame for that outcome. Maybe we should identify the 10 or so most vulnerable Boston nonprofits and try to encourage solutions other than dissolution. Some need merger, but egos won't permit that. This is an area where major philanthropists--including the Boston Foundation--should step in and strongly push a road towards sustainability, or at least an orderly termination.
This was an excellent article. It arguably should be required reading for any nonprofit leader or donor. [NEW PARAGRAPH] As luck would have it, I apparently saw the last performance Opera Boston will present. I was truly looking forward to the rest of its season.
Apparently, like our former Governor, Mr. Fuller likes to be able to fire people who don't give him good service.