When budgets are tight, finding ways to keep your art room stocked with supplies can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways you can raise funds while also engaging your students and the community. From grants to student-led projects, here are 7 fundraising strategies to boost your art room budget.
1. DonorsChoose: Crowdfunding for the classroom
DonorsChoose is a popular crowdfunding platform specifically designed for teachers. You can create a project for the supplies you need — whether it’s paint, canvas, or supply kits — and share it with parents, friends, and your community. DonorsChoose allows people to directly contribute to your classroom’s needs, and the platform offers matching opportunities through various sponsors to help you reach your goal faster. Be sure to craft a compelling story that explains how these supplies will positively impact your students’ learning experience.
2. Apply for art grants
There are many grants available that specifically fund K-12 art programs. Check out local, state, and national grants, like the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), P Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education, and Fund for Teachers. While some grants can fund specific projects, others may provide broader support for your classroom needs. If you don’t have the time to research and apply for grants, enlist the help of parents or community members to volunteer their grant-writing expertise, as grants can be a valuable way to enhance your art room’s resources.
3. Partner with local businesses
Local businesses are often eager to support schools, especially if the partnership is mutually beneficial. Approach local art supply stores, coffee shops, hardware stores, furniture stores, grocery stores, realtors, banks, and more to sponsor your art room. In return, you could offer to display student artwork in their space or feature their business in your school newsletter. Some businesses may donate art supplies, while others might provide financial support for student projects or events.
4. Hold a school-wide art show
Host a school-wide art show where students can display their best work and sell pieces to parents and community members. You can charge an entry fee, sell refreshments, or host raffles with art-related prizes. Turn it into a juried art show by enlisting local artists or gallery owners to be the judges and soliciting prizes from local businesses. You can also have students work on their writing skills by creating artist statements about themselves.
5. Organize a “Paint and Sip” night
Paint and Sip events can be adapted for a school setting, allowing students, parents, and community members to enjoy a fun painting class where they create their own artwork. Charge a fee for the night and offer light refreshments (non-alcoholic, of course), provide the art supplies, and guide participants through the painting process. This is a fun, interactive way to raise money while giving the community a chance to experience the joy of creating art.
6. Hold an art supply drive
Sometimes the simplest way to raise funds or supplies is to ask for them. Host an art supply drive where parents, students, and community members can donate art materials to help stock your classroom. Create a wish list on nascoeducation.com, print or email it, and encourage your community to purchase or donate money toward supplies. To give your request a personal touch, interview your students about why they love art class and include their answers in your donation request materials.
7. Sell student-made products
One of the most engaging ways to raise funds is by creating and selling student-made projects. This allows students to take pride in their work while contributing to their art program. Here are some project ideas you can try:
- Soup bowls for a cause: Have students create ceramic bowls to sell or use them to serve soup at a school or community event. Partner with the Family and Consumer Sciences class to make the soup, and have attendees purchase a bowl to use during your soup event.
- Sewing projects: Work with your students to create simple sewing projects, such as these holiday ornaments, that can be sold as gifts.
- Needle-felted bookmarks: Have students create needle-felted bookmarks to sell at school events, craft fairs, or to parents.
- Painted tote bags: Let your students personalize tote bags with paint and sell them during art shows or school events.
- Wire sculpting projects: Students can create wire sculptures as part of a fun, hands-on project, and these can be sold to raise funds or used in a school auction.
You don’t have to do it alone!
Raising funds for your art room doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re applying for grants, crowdfunding, or getting creative with student-made projects, there are countless ways to keep your art room thriving. Get students and caregivers involved, work with your PTO, reach out to the community, and explore the many opportunities available to make your classroom a vibrant place for artistic expression.