The Arts & Science Council (ASC) will launch www.power2give.org, a new fundraising platform to support arts, science, history and heritage projects in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, on Monday, August 29, 2011.
The site will offer a unique way to match local arts and cultural projects to individuals and corporations interested in making a difference. Organizations will list needs for a specific project– for example, dancewear for underserved children or set design for an upcoming production. People visiting the site will then be able to pick a need that interests them and make a donation.
The site will launch with funding requests for more than 50 projects from about 30 organizations.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has joined ASC as a founding sponsor of power2give.org through a $250,000 investment – with the majority of the funding going to match donations made in Charlotte and Miami, when the site launches there in the fall.
“This new platform will give people a personal connection to the organizations that create culture in our communities,” said Dennis Scholl, Knight Foundation’s vice president/arts. “power2give.org also strives to engage new audiences and donors – meeting them where they are, which is increasingly online.”
power2give.org is a result of ASC’s focus to address the future of funding the cultural sector through innovative means, and respond to current trends in philanthropy. High net worth giving from individuals is down 71% from 2007 according to the Center on Philanthropy. Meanwhile, 2010 trends indicate an increased number of gifts with smaller average gift sizes, further growth in online donations and a strong desire from donors to see where their gifts go. The site also creates a closer relationship between donors and the organizations they support.
“The philanthropic landscape is changing and power2give.org is one example of how ASC is adapting to continue to provide the financial resources needed to fuel the cultural community in our region,” said ASC President Scott Provancher. “There are a lot of compelling projects in need of direct support. By donating to projects, coupled with the generous matching gift from Knight Foundation, individuals can turn specific needs into a reality.”
Currently, non-profit organizations that have received funding from ASC in the past five years can post projects in need of funding on power2give.org for up to $10,000. Organizations will promote their projects to individuals through a variety of print, electronic and social media channels. Projects will have 90 days to be funded. ASC will look to possibly expand the opportunity to artists and other non-profits to post projects on the site in the future.
Follow power2give.org on Twitter @power2give and ‘Like’ on Facebook at Facebook.com/power2give.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit KnightFoundation.org.
Contact:
Krista Terrell
704-335-3035
[email protected]
Aaron Fiedler
704-335-3055
[email protected]