Art can transcend boundaries, ignite emotions, and inspire change. Harnessing the creative energy of art can be a game-changer for your organization’s fundraising efforts. Read on as we delve into a spectrum of innovative art fundraiser ideas tailored specifically to nonprofits and explore how organizations can use art to make a lasting impact and support their missions.
The 129,164 arts, culture, and humanities nonprofits in the United States have a unique advantage – they can leverage their creativity and cultural significance to drive impactful art fundraising initiatives. Finding fresh ways to incorporate art in fundraising, however, can be a challenge. But we’ve got you covered with several art fundraiser ideas for nonprofits in this article!
Let’s dive in and discuss how these fundraisers – from immersive art experiences to traditional auctions – can make a lasting impression while supporting meaningful causes.
Today’s donors consistently seek out experiential ways to support their favorite nonprofits – in other words, they’re looking to receive a unique experience in exchange for their donation.
Artistic nonprofits with access to unique locations can host experience-based fundraising events and campaigns that leverage their creative side to create engaging and exciting opportunities for their patrons.
Here are a few innovative experiential art fundraiser ideas to spark your imagination.
Art installations are large-scale displays typically designed for a specific place and sometimes only temporarily available to the public. They can take several forms, from live art to murals to mixed-media installations.
Live art, for example, may include performance art or a full-scale event staged by an artist or group. If you’re an art school, students can help create an inspiring live art installation that shows off their skills and promotes the facility. Provide text-to-give information for audience members interested in showing their support on the spot.
Murals placed in high-traffic areas around town are another special way for art charities to generate a buzz around their campaigns. Your organization could even add to the mural when a new fundraising milestone is achieved, adding to the experience! Incorporate a scannable QR code that links directly to your online giving form for those interested in helping meet your goal and fill up the mural.
Marathons, bike-a-thons, and even dance-a-thons are excellent ways to raise funds for a nonprofit – why not host an art-a-thon? Art-a-thons can have different purposes, such as raising funds, promoting art and creativity in the community, or providing artists with focused time to work on their craft. These events may involve art exhibitions, workshops, live performances, and other collaborative opportunities for artists.
To collect donations through this art fundraiser idea, launch a peer-to-peer campaign! Each participating artist can create their own fundraising page to share with friends and family, asking them to donate in support of their art.
An excellent way to inspire and connect with an art-loving public is with a pop-up shop. Original art pieces may only be affordable for some, but most can afford a poster, t-shirt, or tote bag.
Choose a few popular art pieces to print and sell at a discounted price, and also offer branded merchandise that gets your name and logo out into the community. If your nonprofit’s location doesn’t have room, you can start a pop-up shop on the street or purchase a booth at a vendor fair.
Pro tip: Setting up a donation kiosk for your pop-up shop can serve a dual purpose. Use it as a point-of-sale system, plus encourage passersby to make a swift cashless gift, even if they don’t want to buy something.
Art walks have been around for years, and many large cities promote these to tourists. Schools and nonprofits can partner with other organizations and provide a path for visitors to view a variety of compelling statues, paintings, photos, and more.
Enhance the art walk experience with live musical performances and food vendors. Include a visitor’s booth to provide more information on the organization(s) involved and collect donations to split among the partnering nonprofits.
Another way to promote the art and beauty of a location – or even an entire city – is with guided tours. Art tours provide expert guidance, educational content, and an interactive experience that allows people to enjoy art at their own pace.
Nonprofits can offer walking (or driving) art tours around town. Schools can open their doors to allow guests to view students’ pieces. Museums can host tours surrounding specific types of art, time periods, or other themes.
Find knowledgeable guides to lead the tours and connect with your local tourism board for help promoting them. Selling tickets to this one-time event or series is also an exceptional way to raise money for an organization.
From event ticketing to donation kiosks to recurring giving – and beyond – Donorbox has the tools you need to raise money before, during, and after your next art fundraiser. Get started for free in just 15 minutes and learn more about how to sell more tickets using our enhanced Donorbox Events feature in this video.
Get Started With Donorbox EventsMemberships help contribute to a nonprofit’s long-term success by providing reliable income. Artistic organizations can offer several unique and enticing perks for members, such as the chance to sponsor an artist or student and receive updates on their work. This allows art-loving members to feel further connected to the organization.
Schools, museums, and other artistic charities can also provide members with discounted prices for workshops and classes, tickets to VIP exhibitions and performances, and even grants and funding for their own creative endeavors.
Pro tip: The purpose of an artistic membership is to form a community of artists and art lovers. Be sure to regularly survey donors to monitor their reactions to membership perks.
Traditional art fundraiser ideas abound, and many are still effective today. The following 13 ideas show how your organization can add a fresh twist to these tried-and-true art fundraising tactics to ensure their success today and into the future. Art fundraisers can help nonprofits, schools, and museums engage with new audiences and promote creativity.
Add art-themed events and activities to current fundraising campaigns or develop new artistic fundraising activities using these ideas and your own. For example, if a gala or auction feels stale, integrating pieces from local artists can be a unique way to raise funds and support the community.
The following tips and best practices can make developing an artistic event or campaign an excellent option for any nonprofit, no matter your mission!
Raise funds by auctioning art pieces at a gala or fair. If hosting a full-fledged gala isn’t an option, host an online auction for a specially designed piece.
Paint-and-sip events are another popular alternative to fundraising galas. Work with a local business or hold this event at their facility, sell tickets, collect donations, and include other fundraising activities like raffles.
An art raffle is like an auction but with a different target audience. Art auctions will primarily appeal to higher-income donors, while just about anyone can purchase a raffle ticket.
Simply select a piece of art (even better if you can have one donated) and sell raffle tickets at a set price – think $10-$50 apiece with discounts for bundles of tickets. At a set date and time, draw the winning ticket and announce the winner on social media to further boost awareness.
Artisan markets allow nonprofits to collaborate with artists and other organizations. Raise money by selling vendor tables to artists and inviting musicians and food vendors to round out the event.
Artistic competitions can be a fun way to engage the public. Inviting local artists to compete by developing a logo, designing a t-shirt, or planning a mural can be an exciting activity for the artists and the community. The prize? The winner’s work is prominently displayed!
Greeting cards and calendars are great ways to raise funds while also spreading awareness. They are affordable, and almost everyone uses them! Choose popular pieces of art in your museum, student artwork from your school, or even art from competition winners to include on the cards or throughout the calendar.
Pro tip: Add your organization’s mission statement and logo to the greeting cards and calendars.
Local schools in underserved areas always need supplies. An art supplies drive can be a simple and compelling way to receive donations, as people can immediately see how their gifts can help. Donors can bring physical items to your location or give funds to purchase supplies using your online donation form.
Pro tip: Share images of students’ work created using these supplies to thank your donors.
Art therapy has become a well-respected form of healthcare. Organizations that provide this service can sell tickets to hands-on workshops for the general public that show how therapy provides beneficiaries with skills to help them better their lives.
Many people love art films. Share this love with supporters by selling tickets to popular art film screenings or creating and showing one of your own.
Partner with art-focused businesses or venues, such as galleries, studios, or art supply stores, for joint fundraising events or promotions that benefit both parties.
Create day-long (or even weekend-long) art retreats with themes that align with your mission. Partner with artists to lead workshops and demonstrations on everything from photography to painting to sketching. To raise money, sell tickets to the retreat, find sponsors, and auction or sell local artists’ work.
Mystery dinner parties and other themed events can be fun activities for all. Purchase a pre-planned mystery box set or create one that better matches your mission. Sell tickets to watch or participate in the party to raise money!
Nonprofits of all kinds can host sidewalk chalk festivals for the entire community! Invite area artists and other locals to participate in a sidewalk chalk art competition. Develop a specific theme and award prizes for the most creative, best-themed, people’s choice, and more. Start an online donation page where the public can donate and vote for their favorite.
Amp up the fun by inviting a local radio station to play music and promote the event on air throughout the day and bring in food vendors, craft stations for kids, and more.
Pro tip: Add a sticky donate button to your website during your campaigns and events so visitors see it no matter where they enter your website.
By integrating art into current fundraising efforts and partnering with local artists, nonprofits of all kinds can engage new audiences and amplify their impact on communities. Art auctions, collaborative murals, competitions, and other art-themed events allow nonprofits to foster connections and raise funds for their missions.
Donorbox supports nonprofits’ online fundraising with customized donation pages, peer-to-peer campaigns, event features, and sticky donate buttons. Visit our website to see how to increase the impact of your next art fundraiser.
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Kristine Ensor is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience working with local and international nonprofits. As a nonprofit professional she has specialized in fundraising, marketing, event planning, volunteer management, and board development.
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Kristine Ensor