Our latest ABA Executive Benchmark explored end-of year revenues and expenses for the 2025 operating year, followed by projections for 2026.

Highlights from the survey include:

71% of respondents reported operating budget increases in 2025 compared to 2024.
Artistic departments were the most frequently reported departments with increased operating budgets in 2025 compared to 2024.
Near-even split between respondents that expect no operating deficit in 2026 (48%) versus those that do expect an operating deficit of up to 15% in 2026 (47%).
Balancing costs with revenue generations was more challenging in 2025 compared to 2024 for 62% of respondents.
Over half of respondents relied on an endowment draw to cover a portion of their operating costs in 2025.
Most respondents are concerned with sustaining revenue levels to manage expenses in the longterm.