Comments on: 2 Guidelines When Requesting a Donation

By: Tim

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 21:40:30 +0000

Thank you for this. I want to raise some money for a book of paper architectural models of homes in my town. This helped.
Tim Flynn
Artist/designer

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 02:29:36 +0000

In reply to Lauran Childs.

Lauran: Glad you found this helpful. I see you also read the guest post by Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson, which I was just about to suggest.

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By: Lauran Childs

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 06:40:08 +0000

Thank you, that’s a very interesting article and very appropriate for me to read as I’ve just started advertising the fact that I’m looking for a sponsor for my art show at Art Basel this year.
In fact today I withdrew my ‘list of perks’ from my website but reading you is making me think about it some more. I just figured that the businesses and individuals I’ve approached are so well established and so big they’d probably have their own ideas about what they want and I’m flexible (but no push-over).
Finally yes on the being-fed-up with people asking for free art. ‘Exposure’ definitely does not pay bills!
I’m going to read your other articles now, particularly about raising money for a show in another country… Great!

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By: Wendell Myers

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 11:24:11 +0000

I also think it is very important to be careful in how you describe what you are asking for. If your supporters are getting something tangible in return, like a T shirt, a print, a painting, a signed copy of the film, etc, avoid the word “donation.” Donation implies a hand-out. If they are getting a DVD or a print, it might be a “pre-order.” Ask for “support,” not a “donation.” You are looking not for charity, but for support from people who want to be involved in a creative project, and who will receive something in return. Of course if you are looking for outright gifts, the word “donation” might be appropriate.

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By: Wendell Myers

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 11:16:38 +0000

In reply to Alyson Stanfield.

We tried hard to find a nonprofit that would work with us, but we were not successful. One was willing, but wanted to end up owning a portion of the rights to the film. This was something we were not willing to do. We ended up raising most of the funds through a successful kickstarter campaign, raising the rest locally through special events like dinners, fundraising parties, and just plain asking!

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 04:08:56 +0000

In reply to Cindy Williams.

Cindy: Let us know what happens.

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 04:08:39 +0000

In reply to wendell myers.

Absolutely, Wendell! Did you work under the umbrella of a nonprofit?

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 04:08:06 +0000

In reply to Peggy.

What did you like about it, Peggy? Did it give you ideas?

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By: Cindy Williams

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 03:42:30 +0000

I never really thought about asking for a donation, I have always been on the “giving” end. This is a great post I’m going to think about for my upcoming show. Thanks for this post 🙂

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By: wendell myers

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 18:16:26 +0000

In raising money for a documentary film on the life and music of Frederic Chopin, we found that people considering supporting this project wanted VERY specific information not only on what they personally would receive in return, but also, what groups would benefit, how this film would be used educationally, etc. So the clearer and more specific you can be, and the clearer it is that your project will benefit others, the more supportive people and organizations will be.

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