KCVLAA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that provides legal and accounting assistance to artists and arts organizations from all creative disciplines, including visual artists, writers, musicians, playwrights, actors, dancers, filmmakers, photographers, graphic artists, theater companies, orchestras, crafts groups, artists cooperatives and neighborhood arts councils.

KCVLAA’s services include:

    free legal and accounting services for qualifying artists
    and arts organizations;

    mediation of arts-related disputes; and

    education programs for artists, arts organizations,
    arts related businesses, lawyers and accountants.

KCVLAA was formed in May 2004 with the encouragement of the Missouri Arts Council, the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City, the St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts and the Texas Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts. KCVLAA serves portions of western Missouri and eastern Kansas, including the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. This geographical area previously was served by the St. Louis organization. With the high concentration of artists and arts organizations in the Kansas City area, a separate local organization was needed. KCVLAA has handled over 36 cases in 2005 and requests for help continue.

Without KCVLAA, the legal and accounting problems of many artists and arts organizations would go unresolved. KCVLAA provides a critical link between members of the legal, business and arts communities. A thriving arts community contributes to a positive economic and social environment for all of us.

Apply for Services:

Individual Application for Services *
For individual art professionals.

Organization Application for Services
For not for profit organizations, businesses

Incorporating As A Nonprofit
For those wanting to pursue tax exempt status.

All applications require a non-refundable $25.00 fee for processing and include eligibility requirements. The fee is waived if you are a member or become a member .

Nonprofit Organizations: annual operating budget below $100,000. (At the discretion of the board of directors, assistance may be offered to larger organizations which are involved in a project of unique benefit to the community.) Organizations applying for assistance must submit a current budget.

Individuals: gross household income not in excess of $25,000, with $2,000 allowed for each additional person in the household. To verify family income, a copy of the applicant's most recent tax return is requested. When an applicant's income exceeds the income standards by a small amount or several months without employment or other financial hardship, the executive director may make a discretionary judgment about the applicant's eligibility.

Partnerships: gross receipts less expenses using individual guidelines

For Profit Corporations: net income plus salaries of principals not
exceeding $50,000

YOU CAN HELP BY:

Lawyer Volunteer Form

Accountant Volunteer Form
    
    Serving as a volunteer lawyer, accountant or mediator

    Assisting with education programs

    Participating as a sponsor (legal/accounting practitioners
    and firms, as well as other businesses and individuals)

    Making a tax-deductible donation

Become A Donor or Member

Artist, Attorney, Accountant, and Arts Business Membership
An Individual Membership entitles you to receive legal and accounting services through KCVLAA if you qualify, free admission to KCVLAA programs, services and publications, and invitations to member events. In addition, Organizational and Business Memberships entitles individual employees and individual members of the organization to join KCVLAA at a discounted rate of $25 per year.

Corporate Sponsorship
Join the private and corporate donors that have recognized the cultural contribution our services make possible and help those in need. Please call us for a Corporate Sponsorship application.

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