Comments on: Letter for responding to donation requests

By: Carolyn Feir

Carolyn Feir — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:04:59 +0000

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

By: Carolyn Feir

Carolyn Feir — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 06:00:51 +0000

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!!

By: Patricia C Vener

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.

By: Jim Lorriman

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.

By: Jackie Garner

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.

By: amber renee

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!

By: Karen Lynn

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).

By: Alyson B. Stanfield

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:
http://www.artbizblog.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.

By: Jennifer Bellinger

Jennifer Bellinger — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:06:17 +0000

A few years ago I received a letter asking for an art donation for our brand new, state of the art hospital. The chairman of the acquisition committee was a friend. I responded with a letter and 40 signatures of other artists receiving the same letter (they had chucked theirs in the garbage). I decided to use the opportunity to inform the committee how their request for donations was received. My letter addressed the facts that the beautiful new hospital had raised millions of dollars from the community, paid for design, building, landscaping, etc. but neglected to build in a budget for art. Artists need to be paid for their work. They do not donate their best work. What does that say about the art profession? “Oh, we don’t need to pay for art, artists will give us their art for free because it is for such a great cause” The result was a very apologetic response and I was asked to be on a committee to formulate a “loan of art” program. Artists & galleries loan their work for 6 months receiving exposure and chance to sell. It is a program that is still working well today. Of course, instead of budgeting for art and owning the art, they now have to pay a person to manage the loan program!

By: Tammy Vitale

Tammy Vitale — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:08:37 +0000

Most requests I receive are face to face. And I use this strategy all the time now. I get 50% and they get 50% and I’m willing to donate small to my highest price pieces. We both benefit. Not everyone wants to do this, but it can be win-win and shows your support for the organization by your willingness to engage with them. I have started a campaign among artists I know to make this a rule of thumb.