Creative Solutions for Fundraising
Arts councils are important community bodies that organize and promote local involvement and awareness of art. Most arts councils must raise their own support from the community, both by asking for involvement and by asking for funds. The best (and most successful) fundraisers allow for a two-way street between the beneficiary and the supporter; fundraisers that add to the community and give something back allow residents to support an arts council monetarily and get something in return.
Donations
The most traditional fundraisers rely on a very basic concept: provide a benefit to donating. Contact local companies and businesses, especially those that sell specialty items or services, and ask that they donate items for the cause. The business benefits from a public image boost and "free" advertisement, while the arts council receives a free product that it can give away in exchange for donations.
For example, ask a restaurant for a certain number of low-price gift certificates---five to ten dollars each. While advertising for arts council supporters, mention that members who donate over a certain amount will receive a free gift certificate. The arts council receives funds, the donor receives a gift certificate and the restaurant receives patronage.
Ask for donations from local artists. In a prominent location, display as many submissions from local artists as possible, with the donation asking price listed below the painting. Donors receive a piece artwork from a local artist to keep and local artists have a part in raising money for their own cause.
Competitions
Offering consumers a way to directly influence types of services provided increases the income of the arts council. Depending on the different types of activities or services provided by the arts council, select three to five options for a donor. Present these choices in a public place and allow the community to vote by placing donations for each of the presentation choices.
For example: if you have a community theater, select four possible movie choices for the following week. Set up a presentation of each film behind a lock box or other secured bin. The movie with the largest number of donations at the end of an advertised period of time wins, and that movie will be shown the following week.
This fundraiser technique can be used to select movie showings, theater presentations and festival themes and for many other decisions made by your arts council. Allowing city or county residents to be involved in the decision-making process also improves a community's sense of inclusion and interest---two important components of a successful arts council.
Variety
Be open to a variety of fundraising methods. Following in the footsteps of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsythe County, open your donations to the normal cash, check, credit and pledging, but also to payroll deduction, appreciated securities and even life insurance. Donors can sign up for an additional life insurance policy and name the council as a beneficiary, ensuring support even after death. Add creative donation options to increase the number of ways a patron can have to support the council.
