DONATING ART WORK

I've heard artists complaining about being bombarded with so many requests for a donation. They feel like they are being taken for grant it, so it seems. So, let's look at this a little differently. In order to make good decisions about donating your work, I suggest that you have a Charity Giving Plan in advance. This way you are in control and upi can plan for which event your want to promote.

You want new customers, right? Sure,you do. Donating your work to the right charity could prove very beneficial. In addition, if you read the donation requests closely, there may be some "cool" perks in it for you too. For example, I used to donate to the Channel 15 Auction which was aired on television, great visibility! Fortunately for me, the Director of the Auction was the highest bidder for my piece. She turned out to be one of my customer! She would search me out at all the art fairs. This one donation proved very profitable!

Here's some questions to ask yourself when making your Charity Giving Plan:

"Which cause will be appropriate for my work?" If you are crafting toys or childrens clothing, I would think an organization like the Home of the Innocents, Kosair, or the Boys and Girls Club would be the most likely to reach your market. Keep in mind that you may want to co-partner an event with them later on to advance your career. so be wise in choosing your charity.

"Which cause will give my work the most PR or perks?" If you are doing fine art, I would think the Louisville Visual Art Association Art Auction or other art leagues etc. would be a good fit. Many offer the artists 50% of the auction price, along with an artists party and a free ticket to the event. Be sure to read the fine print.

"What causes do I really believe in?" Do you have a friend or family member with autism, cancer, or some kind of life threatening disease that you may have a personal passion?" I prefer to team up with places like Creative Diversity or Bridgehaven who are encouraging artist who have mental or emotional issues.

"What time of year is better for me to make a donation?" You don't want to make a comittment when you are on vacation, planning your daughter's wedding or an exhibition or craft fair.


"How many different organizations should I donate every year?"
That is strictly up to you. Maybe one to three or perhaps you can donate to one organization every other year. Why not donate a gift certificate, if appropriate? This way the customer will come visit you or your gallery or studio. If you choose to give a gift certificates, it would be wise to give several smaller amounts instead of one larger amount because you will get more customers and more visibility.

"Can you barter with the organization?" If it's a media fundraiser, perhaps they will give you some air time. This seems ideal if you ask me.

Once you have determined your Charitable Giving Plan for the year, be sure to follow up by finding out who received your work and add them to your mailing list. If it doesn't sell, see if you can pick up your work. Make notes if you got any business as a direct result of the event. This way you can track which fundraisers are your particular market.



One artist friend of mine says, "You haven't made IT, until you get over 15 donation requests a year!" I see donation requests as an opportunity to market my business and a means to support a worthy cause!