Individual Philanthropy
To increase individual support of arts and culture organizations, we must improve public perception of our sector as a whole. We also need to increase the capacity of individual organizations to reach out–giving is all about relationships! CASM has four tactics for this strategy.
- Making the Case Research – The Cultural Alliance and ArtServe Michigan are partners in a research project to learn how key constituencies in the region value arts and culture. This research will identify key messages that resonate with business people, public officials, parents, and community leaders. Making the Case research will be used to develop a long-term communications strategy to improve awareness and appreciation of the contributions of arts and cultural organizations to the region through 2012. This research will help cultivate a deeper relationship with our region, resulting in a positive perception of the value arts and culture brings to individuals and to the community at large.
- Challenge Grants to Incentivize Individual Giving – The Cultural Alliance is encouraging arts supporters to create matching funds for gifts of unrestricted operating support. Creating such incentives will help to motivate donors at every level to become active supporters. Challenge grants will also be an incentive for organizations to cultivate individual donors. In August 2009, CASM partnered with The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to launch the Community Foundation Challenge—Arts and Culture which raised $4.9 million, all of which was raised online in less than 12 hours.
- Training Organizations to Cultivate and Expand Their Donor Base – Building donor relationships takes teamwork and expertise. The Cultural Alliance therefore provides opportunities to educate member organizations about efficient and effective ways to build their internal capability. We strive to provide training which will result in an increase the number of donors and to emphasize long-term giving for organizational sustainability.
- Collaborative Fundraising – member organizations of the Cultural Alliance have expressed interest in finding ways to work together to identify, cultivate, solicit, and thank supporters. This will allow members to raise the most money for the least cost. High competition for philanthropic dollars raises the cost of development for cash-strapped arts and culture organizations. Want to get involved? Contact us by emailing
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