This study explores the current situation of small music-based organizations, the relationship between the internal strategies from smaller-sized music-based organizations and audience engagement, via three case studies from three music-based organizations in the city of Philadelphia, PA. Research and analysis of the three organizations reveal that the organization's internal decision making and strategies can directly impact what kind of audience groups they are able to engage. The need for alternative funding routes suggests that music-based organizations should be talented in creating innovative programs to engage diverse audience groups and increase young donors in order to provide sustainable support for the industry and to prepare for unpredictable financial risks.