by Anne Chaisson
Did you know that more than 67 percent of total charitable giving comes from individual and small family foundations? Philanthropy has the power to transform artists’ lives, bringing about meaningful change. Strategic philanthropic support empowers organizations and individuals through initiatives that align with their values, building a support ecosystem that provides the necessary funding to sectors that will change the face of humanity.
Everyone has heard of organizations that have been supporting multiple philanthropic sectors for education, health, entertainment, religion and the environment for over 75 years, such as the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Familiar philanthropic names are emblazoned on arts buildings all over the country, including David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center and the Getty Center in Los Angeles.
The fastest growing sectors of giving by small family foundations and individuals are arts and culture at roughly $25 billion, and environment and animal causes at $21 billion, reshaping how philanthropy can encourage and showcase meaningful change.
Throughout my 12-year tenure as the executive director of HamptonsFilm, the nonprofit institution that presents the annual Hamptons International Film Festival, new initiatives and awards were carefully implemented to support filmmaking artists and their projects by aligning a patron’s cause-related passions with the global and local films being written and produced. The Compassion, Justice and Animal Rights Signature program, and the Giving Voice to the Voiceless award funded by Zelda Penzel, highlighted films addressing these issues and showcased how one can affect change in their daily life.
Philanthropic support also led to mentorship by Academy Award-winning writers to a female screenwriter through the Melissa Mathison Award, named after the late screenwriter of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and the Sherzum Award to acknowledge stories about LGBTQ+ individuals, showing the challenges and successes of the communities represented. Other local initiatives include Bay Street’s Luigi Caiola Musical Theater Fund supporting new musical theater works, and the Guild Hall William P. Rayner Artist in Residence program, which offers artist collectives the time and space to research, experiment and develop new ideas and projects.
The power of contribution is amplified when approached with a strategic mindset. Researching organizations, understanding their mission and evaluating their effectiveness can help ensure your donations lead to significant change. Finding the right person to guide you through the multitude of arts nonprofits is vital in helping to attain the vision you have for your giving. There are relatively few companies that provide this type of guidance, but there are many nonprofit professionals, such as executive directors or board chairs of current and former successful nonprofits who understand how to assess an organization’s infrastructure, how it stays true to its mission and how to find opportunities for enhancement. When considering an adviser, research the person’s experience, values, financial acumen and how transparent they are about all of the above.
By supporting arts and cultural organizations, you invest in the heart of society, enrich your community and provide opportunities for emerging artists. Whether through direct funding or supporting initiatives that foster artistic innovation, your involvement helps keep the arts thriving and accessible.
Philanthropy is a commitment to creating a better world. When considering your next philanthropic endeavor, keep in mind the profound impact you can have and embrace the opportunity to be a force for good—transform lives, uplift communities, and leave a legacy that celebrates the very best of humanity, and most importantly, feeds the soul.