Birds of a Feather
The Birds of a Feather monthly giving program was created in an effort to stabilize our cash flow while also rewarding those donors who go above and beyond in their giving. Many think that the bulk of our funding comes from government grants, but that is not the case. Our Missouri Arts Council funding fluctuates every year, but has been declining steadily for the past decade. The City of Columbia provides funding as well, which also fluctuates from year to year.
To put it into perspective, these two government entities combined provided us with approximately $15,000 in 2019. This averages out to just $1250 per month. While we are grateful for that support, it is only a tiny portion of what it takes for us to fulfill our mission. Our monthly operating costs are $10,000, just to pay utilities, maintain insurance, buy supplies, service our equipment, pay the instructors, etc. That is our minimum, "keep the lights on" baseline of need. We have to cover that before we even begin to think about providing scholarships or growing and hatching any future ‘nest eggs.’
We need a committed base of donors to stand with us. Please become a monthly giver today!
To put it into perspective, these two government entities combined provided us with approximately $15,000 in 2019. This averages out to just $1250 per month. While we are grateful for that support, it is only a tiny portion of what it takes for us to fulfill our mission. Our monthly operating costs are $10,000, just to pay utilities, maintain insurance, buy supplies, service our equipment, pay the instructors, etc. That is our minimum, "keep the lights on" baseline of need. We have to cover that before we even begin to think about providing scholarships or growing and hatching any future ‘nest eggs.’
We need a committed base of donors to stand with us. Please become a monthly giver today!
Birds of a Feather Annual Membership Levels and Benefits:
- Hatchlings - $15/month: Receive a free Access Arts T-shirt
- Fledglings - $25/month: Receive a free Access Arts T-shirt and Handmade Ceramic Mug
- Feathered Friends - $50/month: Receive a T-shirt, a Mug, and free one-day Workshop
- Spiraling Larks - $100/month: Receive a T-shirt, a Mug, a Workshop, and a free 6-week Class Registration
- Winged Wonders - $300/month: Receive a T-shirt, a Mug, a Workshop, a Class, and 5 tickets to CelebrARTy
- The Big Birds - $500/month: Receive a T-shirt, a Mug, a Workshop, a Class, 5 tickets to CelebrARTy, and a private Raku firing for up to 10 guests