Effective arts education programs across the country have garnered a mix of public and private funds to enable their success. Very few (if any) school districts can do it on public funds alone. Join me for an examination of some of the fundraising strategies used to augment public dollars, from GoFundMe campaigns (the online equivalent of bake sales) to sophisticated multi-tiered collective impact models.
This blog is about fundraising to benefit arts education in schools/districts. That said, advocacy will always be part of the equation. We should get used to the idea that engaging school administrators, parents, community leaders, and elected officials in the conversation is ongoing. Always. See earlier posts: Getting Started and Coalition Jenga.
Yes, And…
Funding gaps in arts education are real. Though as the saying goes, a community will fund what it values. For arts education, we often see a disconnect between what is said by decisionmakers (“We love the arts!”) and what is actually funded (“There’s no room in the budget.”)
Collectively, it is our job to strengthen that value proposition by bringing together a strong and resourceful community that will turn a “yes, but…” into “yes, and…” with actionable supports that enable quality arts education to flourish.
A Strategic Approach to Fundraising
Fundraising is most effective when part of an overarching strategic plan. Adopting a districtwide plan and supporting budget for arts education tells a potential funder that you have a vision, that you’ve examined the current program, identified gaps, and defined the needs. It will also help partners in the community be more targeted in their support, whether it’s focused on a neighborhood school or a specific arts discipline. ArtsEmpower in San Diego County and California Alliance for Arts Education have impressive track records for guiding the strategic planning process in California school districts.
And just to be clear on who’s paying for what, Superintendent Linda Kimble in Vista USD puts it this way: “It’s the district’s responsibility to fund anything that eats (e.g., people). We need help from the community to fund the ‘stuff’ (e.g., instruments, equipment, supplies, etc.).” Fair enough.
Leveraging Community Partnerships
Museums and performing arts centers have parlayed their brick and mortar institutions into robust centers of knowledge and support for both in-school and afterschool programs. Big budget institutions as well as smaller nonprofits provide professional learning for teachers, teaching artists, performances or field trips, for example, usually through their own funding streams– an effective way to leverage resources. Two national standouts are The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts with programs in Washington, D.C. and nationally and Young Audiences, a national network with 30 local affiliates. Check with your local or state arts council to see who offers education outreach programs in your community. All are willing and enthusiastic about helping schools meet their goals.
Grants Great and Good
Seeking grants from private foundations has a place in the fundraising toolbox, but is not a panacea. Grants come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from a $500 donation from the local Target to a six-figure contribution from a major foundation. Take a look at the grantmaking landscape in The Grantsmanship Center’s map of grant resources of the largest funders by state. Warning: It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole. Every foundation has its own funding priorities, application process and granting cycles. Many fund the arts and/or education, but not arts education. Typically, most will fund 501c3s; however, not all will fund schools/districts. Do your research to make sure the shoe fits.
A personal favorite is the model established by Notes for Education. Founded by wine and music enthusiasts in Napa and Nashville, their approach is direct and straightforward, asking teachers to tell them what they need, “If I only had….”
Combo Meal: Grants and Program Partnership
VH1 Save the Music Foundation (STM) offers grants to schools in the form of instruments and equipment and so much more. The relationship extends far beyond the initial gift with at-the-elbow technical assistance, professional development, leveraging community assets, and a boost in visibility through its vast media network. In their role as catalyst and convener, STM values local community engagement that places the work well within the larger music education ecosystem. (And STM requires that applicants have a strategic plan!) (Disclaimer: I serve on the board of Save the Music; however, I was a fan before I became a board member.)
Pooled Funds
Funding collaboratives can be effective in advancing systemwide arts education goals. With pooled resources, Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund in Chicago is a collective impact model, built in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. In Boston, BPS Arts Expansion is a public-private partnership involving a large and coordinated network of partners, spearheaded by EdVestors. Los Angeles County ArtsEd Collaborative is almost into its third decade of collective impact work. Intense and intentional, each initiative provides wrap-around services to address the complex challenges of large urban areas.
Quick Fixes
Arts teachers are increasingly savvy about using crowd sourcing for funding needs. A middle school visual art teacher friend regularly taps GoFundMe for art supplies, usually with good success. Or DonorsChoose.org with its portal for teacher requests. Teachers should check with administrators for approval to seek funds online. We may squirm at the notion that teachers are asked to add this to a long list of responsibilities. Sadly, it has become a reality. Perhaps you know of other online sources? Let me know!
For Another Day
Gifts from individuals, special events, and corporate partnerships/sponsorships are worthy endeavors given the right setting. I do believe these fundraising tactics are most appropriate for nonprofit organizations rather than school districts per se, which is why we will set them aside for the moment. Government grants and community foundation funding are also a topic for another day. Oh, and don’t forget booster groups and PTSAs.
We’ve come a long way from bake sales and peddling candy and oranges. However, the impulse to support our students is the same. All together now….
Top photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
Bottom photo by Rachel Lynette French on Unsplash
