My responsibilities include promoting knowledge and appreciation of the arts and humanities in Jefferson, Orange and Hardin Counties by providing financial assistance, publicity, administrative resources and advocacy to non-profit organizations.I seek and receive funds from state, county, cities, endowments, trusts, foundations, and corporate and individual sources to redistribute to eligible non-profits in the area. The annual budget for the past decade remains at the level of approximately $300,000 serving a population of 388,000.Publicity is managed through the usual media like website calendar announcements, social media sources like Facebook and Twitter, and newsletter and direct email blasts. But our organization also publishes a biannual tourism magazine called Off Ramp. It is a high quality publication seen side by side with big city advertising throughout the state. The Southeast Texas Arts Council is one of only two arts councils to publish such a magazine.I am responsible for assisting non-profit organizations with grant writing, board development, best practices associated with non-profit operations, and fund raising.It is also my responsibility to act as an advocate for their concerns with regard to state and local governing authorities.