Comments on: Letter for responding to donation requests

By: Jim

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:50:57 +0000

In reply to Mary Cook.

Mary, send me an email at [email protected] and I will send you specific information on what the charities that I deal with do.

If the charity is a not-for-profit, they will not be able to issue a tax receipt. I would ask them for other marketing intangibles and would write off the value of the piece as a marketing expense. This should be done where ever possible as one can then get the full value of the piece as an expense.

As I noted above, a tax receipt has little value if your income is low.

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By: Mary Cook

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 13:56:35 +0000

In reply to Jim Lorriman.

I am glad that you receive a tax receipt Jim. Our artists have been told that they are not available. What Ontario tax law can I quote to convince the organization works were donated to to send a tax receipt to the artists who created works specifically for the auction.

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By: Carolyn Feir

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:04:59 +0000

In reply to Jackie Garner.

Jackie, this is excellent. I love it. It’s respectfully workable to both parties. Thank you.

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By: Carolyn Feir

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:00:51 +0000

In reply to Jennifer Bellinger.

Great job, Jennifer. Change usually happens one step at a time, by one creative person stepping up to the plate. You are a true leader. Bravo!!

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By: Patricia C Vener

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:14:08 +0000

So far I am apparently not well enough known to be so approached. I get only the standard form letters that most everyone else gets. Only once early on did I donate a necklace to be auctioned off online with other jewelry artists’ works for a cause. There was no benefit to me other than I saw what someone was willing to pay for the piece. On the other hand, this kind of request could come up in the future and now I have the background to be able to respond appropriately.

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By: Jim Lorriman

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:02:34 +0000

I put a limit on how much I am willing to donate each year – usually about $5000, retail value.

Most charities that I work with will do 50/50. I get a tax receipt for the 50% that I do not receive. Here in Ontario, Canada, we can get a tax receipt for the sale price of the piece less whatever we are paid. Sometimes I can get the full retail value especially if the piece is to be used as a door prize or gift to a patron.

However, it is necessary to understand the value of the tax receipt. Its value is based on the taxable income you make. In my case, my taxable income is quite low so, essentially, the tax receipt is worthless.

Consequently, I try to get other advantages. Sometimes I will team with the charity by donating my work outright but having them promote my piece specifically. I then can expense it by writing the full value of the piece off to marketing.

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By: Jackie Garner

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:44:10 +0000

I tend not to donate paintings outright unless it’s already a cause very close to my heart. I find it strange that a charity will approach an artist to ask for a sizeable donation in the form of a painting whereas they wouldn’t ask for the same donation in money. Perhaps they’re simply thinking of how much they can raise rather than how much the artist is donating.

Instead I choose to work with a charity over a longer timescale in a way that benefits both of us. I’m working with a charity at the moment – I create a painting for their Christmas card design and they are given free reproduction rights. I am free to sell the painting and can donate a percentage of the selling price – as much or as little as I choose. I write a regular column for their newsletter, and demonstrate a painting on their stand at trade shows to add content to their display. In return I gain a new audience for my work and am able to attend shows that would otherwise be unavailable to me. We each promote the other through social media and our own networks. It’s a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship and neither party feels they are being exploited.

Partnership working isn’t ideal for everyone but this method works for me.

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By: amber renee

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:54:28 +0000

oops! this is my artist site, my blog is here: miseducated.net

see you! you’re bookmarked!

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By: Karen Lynn

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:58:43 +0000

While I do not donate my artwork (I work too hard to see it go for too little), for a couple of organizations I have donated private one-day art workshops for up to however many people (usually four or five). I list several possibilities as to the subject of the workshop, and the winner or workshop attendees provide their own supplies. It’s a fun occasion for them, I don’t mind donating my time and expertise and meeting new people, and the organization generally makes more than they would for a painting (sad commentary).

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By: Alyson B. Stanfield

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:14:07 +0000

Tracey: I’m thrilled that you are able to be so generous with your art, but many artists are not in that position. They can’t possibly accommodate all of the requests that come their way. It’s not that they don’t want to give. It’s that they simply can’t. They don’t have the resources (money, time, etc.).

I love your attitude and I’m grateful that there are people like you in the world! I do hope you read the rest of my articles about giving. For instance, this is an important one:
https://aaartbizold.wpengine.com/2009/07/contributetalents.html

Tammy: Artists are a cause unto themselves, huh? And good for you for educating others about this.

Jennifer: Woo hoo! Yes, art is always the last thing considered–even by interior designers. It’s nuts. Good for you for educating them and helping other artists in the community. I’m so glad they’re paying you for your efforts.

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