New, small startup 501(c)(3) with no funding

[RickC0383]

Human Scale Art Space is a new 501(c)(3) in visual arts education and eventually exhibition. We offer workshops and hope to expand to exhibitions soon. We are "virtual" relying on donated and shared spaces for workshops as we have no budget for our own space. It will likely be a year before we can secure any grants and the larger grants want three years of history or $50,000 in revenue to accept  an application. How do we make it through our first year or two?

[Chris-S]

Thank you for telling me about Human Scale Art Space! It sounds like a great project, and it’s good to hear about your work in visual arts education and exhibits. I had some similar challenges for a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter. Here are some ideas that might help you keep going:

Community Support

• Crowdfunding & Donations: Use websites like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or others to get money from people who want to support what you do.
• Enrollment or Sponsorship Programs: Give backers special chances to go to workshops, get special content, or get other benefits in return for monthly or yearly donations.
• Collaborate with nearby companies that share your values to secure sponsorships. These businesses might be interested in funding workshops or contributing materials in return for exposure.
• Utilize social media; this doen't mean you need to purchase ads but share and continue to share all that you do.

In-Kind Support

• Continue to grow your partnerships with shared and contributed spaces if you’re already using them. Consider reaching out to schools, libraries, community centers, and nearby businesses to hold workshops in return for involving the community.

• Consider seeking out smaller grants from local sources that do not require a lengthy track record. Certain community foundations and city arts councils may offer microgrants or startup funds.

Did you submit an application for Google nonprofit status? If approved, you could receive a complimentary Google workspace, funding for advertisements, and other useful benefits. This greatly benefited our shelter by increasing donations and raising public awareness of our organization.

[RickC0383]

Thank you for the helpful suggestions. One of the biggest challenges is being a one-arm paper hanger. I need a doppleganger. Will have to settle (hopefully) for a very part-time intern!

[Chris-S]

That’s a challenge; I think of it like wearing multiple hats and juggling flaming chainsaws. 😅 An intern is a fantastic idea. Perhaps you can possibly expand that into a volunteer program? The shelter could not do what we do without the amazing efforts of all our volunteers.

[RickC0383]

Thank you for the volunteer suggestion. We certainly need the help!

[DavidFischerSolutionsForGrowth]

I serve on the board of a non-profit and volunteers are crucial to success. When you promote the opportunity to serve, make sure you list the benefits to those volunteers of helping out. There's always a "what's in it for me" aspect, and as long as you address that, you'll likely get people to raise their hand.

[RickC0383]

Thank you!