I am an Activity Director and have been one at both for profit and non-profit. I have also worked at a nursing home. It is true that we do get a budget-- however, that does not mean we can go hog wild booking many entertainers. Budgets vary from place to place, however, we have to think about-- equipment for exercise, food and decorations for parties, art supplies, resources-- I even worked at one place that I had to pay (out of my budget)paper for my Newsletters and ink for my computer. So, yes we do get a budget-- but most (here in the NW) entertainers charge 50 at most 65 unless it is for a special event-- and that means I can usually book 3, sometimes 4 entertainers a month. Entertainment is usually the most expensive part of my budget-- we really don't get huge budgets-- like some like to think! I sing myself and try to have a sing-a-long twice a month. However-- I like to try new performers-- and I sometimes question if a performer wants to volunteer or perform for very little-- I want my residents to have the best-- and the best are getting paid.