Bay Area Fundraising Tool for Small Arts Nonprofits

Sometimes the first step is the hardest. Recognizing that small, community-based arts organizations often need help starting their own fundraising, two Bay Area community foundations took action. The tool they created helps these nonprofits follow a simple blueprint to build a base of donors. It’s part of the technical assistance these organizations supply to grassroots arts grantees. The tool was created by The San Francisco Foundation and the East Bay Community Foundation. The attached file overviews the simple, strategic five-part approach used to help emerging arts organizations engage with donors who value their contributions to community.

A five-part approach

The tool and its elements were introduced at a technical assistance workshop:

1. Gain conviction—develop the courage and commitment to raise funds to sustain your work.
2. Clarify identity—sharpen your image and establish a position based on your unique qualities.
3. Activate network—recruit and equip those who value your work to connect you to others who may value your work.
4. Engage prospects—make contact and provide positive artistic experiences for your potential new donors.
5. Cultivate relationships—increase and track contacts with your key prospects and donors, creating strong personal connections.

This tool was created as part of Communities Advancing the Arts, a major funding initiative of The James Irvine Foundation.

Filed under: Engaging donors