Fundraising – Decorative Painting Apprenticeship Program: New Orleans City Park Fundraising

Strategy

The Decorative Painting Apprenticeship Program (DPAP) is a newly formed organization providing real-world experiences for decorative painting artisans while creating enduring art in public spaces consistent with goals of public restoration programs. 

The most recent project was reviving and restoring several structures within the historic City Park in New Orleans. Typically, the venue pays for the cost of supplies and paint; however, City Park had minimal money for paint and supplies… not enough to restore structures to their former splendor. Extensive resources were essential for this project.

Being a newly formed organization, the systems for fund-raising needed to be developed.

Tactics

A detailed project plan was created. DPAP supplied a complete list of needed items to be solicited from industry specific vendors. A potential donor list was generated for corporations and foundations which align towards arts and public works projects. A sponsorship package was tailored towards the City Park project. Ask letter, in-kind donation form, and recognition letter were developed. Potential donors were cultivated and asks were made; donors were updated regularly of the progress.

Results

Over 90% of requested of in-kind donations were obtained freeing up other financial resources to go elsewhere. In addition to in-kind requests, cash donations were solicited and received.

DPAP walked away with a donor resource guide to assist them in future fund-raising endeavors.