Renée Phillips is the Director of Manhattan Arts International, an author of several books and a public speaker. She is known as "The Artrepreneur Coach" and provides empowering life and career strategies for creative individuals.

To bring positive change to someone’s life and to be productive in our society, one must make time for meaningful pursuits – to help heal the world in the damaged places. Small contributions given with the right spirit have great value.

This article offers advice and experiences reported to me by artists and others who are actively engaged in donating their art to charities and nonprofits.

When I sell one of my art pieces to someone who appreciates it the experience is extremely satisfying, and the monetary reward is undeniable. But there is a different kind of experience to be had by knowing something I created with my heart and hands has a value of healing proportion beyond the sale.

Each year I donate a certain number of works of art to a charity. In addition I donate a percentage of my sales to several different charities and nonprofit organizations. The percentage varies depending upon whether I have sold it directly, in which case I can afford to give a higher percentage, or through a gallery or an agent. I can afford to do this because my advertising and marketing expenses are very low.

Lisa Cooper

I recently discussed this subject with Lisa Cooper, shown here, owner of Elisa Tucci Contemporary Art (ECA, www.elisaart.com) in Riverdale, New York. She advises, “I think it’s critical to work with a charitable partner whose mission is aligned with your beliefs and passions.” Her gallery’s motto is: “Changing the World through Art.”

She had volunteered with Free Arts NYC since 2005, and saw firsthand the positive impact of creating art and art projects with children in underserved communities. “I saw how families learned to communicate with each other by creating works together, and how children who were often invisible lit up as they presented work that they made with their own hands.”

She knew, when she launched her art business, she wanted it to have a philanthropic element. A portion of every sale from ECA goes to Free Arts NYC or one of the other ECA supported charities.

Lisa is always interested in new artists who are aligned with its vision and create “Art that transforms.” Her submission process can be found on the gallery’s Web site.

If you are already donating money to your favorite charities, but have not known how to approach them with your art, Lisa suggests, “Consider ‘pitching’ an idea for an art project by writing a letter to the Executive Director; describe how your vision would work.” For example, “If you work with recycled or found objects, you can create a step-by-step guide on how children … could create their own piece. Many programs are looking for inspired ideas and this may be a great foot in the door.”

She adds, “I think a personalized letter with a photograph of your work and a follow up call is the best bet. We are all so overwhelmed with email (and much of it ends up in the spam box).”

Follow Your Heart
The key to giving to any charity or nonprofit, whether you’re giving money, time or art, is to be passionate about the cause.

Miron Abramovici, an artist from New Jersey, recently volunteered to photograph some of the events of the Special Olympics New Jersey Fall Sports Festival. Special Olympics is a world-wide organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual disabilities to succeed in life by involving them in sport activities.

“These people are often misunderstood, ignored, neglected, ridiculed, isolated and excluded from many social activities. It is wonderful to see the results of the Special Olympics on their spirits and their souls. I will donate the proceeds from the sales of these photos of the Sports Festival to the Special Olympics.” His photos can be seen at http://mironab.redbubble.com/sets/96649/works.

Adriano Manocchia (http://www.adriano-art.com) is a painter of landscapes and wildlife who lives in Cambridge, New York. Throughout his 25-year career he has donated around $350,000 worth of artwork to many of his favorite causes: Ducks Unlimited, New York Audubon Society, Save the Sound, The Panda Project and Wildlife Conservation International. One exciting project included a limited edition print of a painting he created that was co-signed by Eunice Kennedy Shriver for the Special Olympics.

Start Your Own Program
If there is a cause you are particularly close to, you can also consider initiating your own charitable program. For example, in 2002 Elaine Poggi, a photographer from Italy, turned her personal tragedy of the loss of her mother into a worldwide campaign and founded The Foundation for Photo/Art in Hospitals (http://www.healingphotoart.org). Her nonprofit, publicly-supported organization is dedicated to placing colorful, soothing photographs of nature in hospitals to give comfort and hope to patients and their families, visitors and caregivers.

“Our vision is to create a shift in the way people view hospitals, from cold and sterile to warm and welcoming. I have placed over 2,000 of my nature photos along with photos from contributing photographers in over 150 hospitals on six continents.

Jill Flynne (www.JillFlynneDesigns.com), an artist from Massachusetts, combined her lifelong passion for animals – therapy and companion animals in particular – and her love of painting and founded NEAFA (www.NEArtsForAnimals.org): “People Helping Animals Help People.” NEAFA is: “A synergistic group of people who help fund therapy, companion, and service animals (both domestic and wildlife), the people who need them, and the programs that train, place, and support them. In less than two years we were able to give out three grants including one supporting a female war veteran get her assistance dog.”

Choose Wisely
Not all charities and nonprofits are created equal. Make sure the ones you choose are reputable and focused. It is advisable to start with a local charitable organization in your area, one that you are familiar with and can follow and participate in their events. Find out as much as you can about what they do and how much of the money raised goes directly to the cause or is spent on administration.

You can verify the status of the organization through the Better Business Bureau, Attorney General’s Office and The Foundation Center (http://foundationcenter.org).

Also, keep in mind that in most states, you can only deduct the cost of materials for your donation. However, if a friend buys it from you and donates the artwork, they can deduct the value on their income taxes. (Check with an accountant or tax adviser for current laws.) Explore your options and make sure you are okay making the financial commitment necessary to donate your work.

Renee is known as The Artrepreneur Coach, helping artists design strategies to excel in their careers. Her advice for artists are immediately effective in increasing creativity, publicity and profit. Learn more.

You may also want to read Artists Making A Difference


Read more articles by Renée Phillips.