Howard,
as you well know EFDSS used to run festivals, now they dont but other people do and do it PROFITABLY,WHY should EFDSS not run festivals and make money out of them.
MattKeen,you may think it Dull and unimaginative, but Comhaltas makes money out of it.,therfore it is good business practice.
I would suggest you visit the national fleadh sometime it is far from dull and unimaginative ,it is in fact alive with hunrerds of musicians making very good music.
Comhaltas[ not the EFDSS] provide musical tuition,.
quote from Comhaltas website[Classes]

We offer hundreds of classes a week in a variety of traditional instruments, singing and dance. These classes are offered on a term-by-term basis by the local branches of Comhaltas — you might want to find your local branch. Many branches offer instrument rentals or loans if you are just starting out, especially if you want to learn a particularly expensive instrument such as the Uillean Pipes or Harp.
Comhaltas have branches , In the following places glasgow area[3],st albans,bradford ,tyneside, newport wales,liverpool leeds, w london bedford, e london, south luton, preston, manchester, bolton, leicester, s birmingham, leamington spa, coventry.
the one area not well covered is south of london and the south west.
   EFDSS, have no branches, why?

however EFDSS dont receive the same funding, so clearly the areas to concentrate on are those not covered by comhaltas, south of london and south west.
Matt, I do have considerable business experience.
furthermore I am not impressed by your qualifications, running a professional music charity does not require business acumen, it proves you know how to administrate , and probably illustrates that you have a knowledge of how   the grant system is best utilised, that is not the same thing as knowing how to run asuccesful private enterprise.