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Arts programs offer students and communities the opportunity to express themselves, build confidence, and explore their talents. Yet, despite their value, arts initiatives are often among the first to face funding cuts when budgets are tightened. Whether it's a school theatre production, a community orchestra, or a youth dance troupe, many groups must find alternative ways to cover costs.

That’s where FundScrip can help. With FundScrip, supporters can purchase gift cards for everyday shopping, and a portion of those purchases is donated directly to the fundraiser at no extra cost. It’s an effective and sustainable way to raise money for the arts.

How Arts Groups Can Benefit

Whether the focus is performing, visual, or musical arts, FundScrip can be tailored to fit the unique needs of any creative program:

• Theatre Programs: From costumes and makeup to set construction and venue rentals, staging a production is costly. Gift card fundraising can provide the steady support needed to make each performance shine.
• Music Lessons and Instruments: Whether for private lessons, ensemble participation, or the purchase of sheet music and instruments, music students and programs can use FundScrip earnings to help offset costs that might otherwise be out of reach.
• Visual Arts Classes: Media used in painting, photography, sculpture, filmmaking, printmaking and more all add up. With FundScrip, visual arts teachers and instructors can give students access to the materials they need for their creativity to flourish.
• Dance Programs: Competitive dance teams and recital groups often need funds for studio space, travel, and costumes. Gift card fundraising offers a practical way to keep dancers moving toward their goals.

Why FundScrip Works for the Arts

• No Extra Cost to Supporters: Participants purchase gift cards for places they already shop, and a portion of each purchase supports the fundraiser. There’s no additional expense, making it easier to attract and retain long-term supporters.
• Flexible and Scalable: FundScrip works well for small, independent classes as well as large school-wide programs. It’s just as effective for a choir raising money for a single trip as it is for a district-wide initiative funding multiple disciplines.
• Engagement Through Creativity: Arts groups can use themed performances, art exhibits, or concerts to raise awareness for their campaign. Incorporating fundraising into events that already celebrate the arts creates natural moments for promotion and community support.

Tips for a Successful Campaign

• Promote With Creativity: Use student artwork, video clips from performances, or photos from past productions to showcase what the fundraiser supports. These visual aids are great for creating an effective FundScrip campaign page. High-quality images and videos draw attention and give supporters a visual connection to the cause.
• Set Specific Goals: Let supporters know exactly what their purchases will help fund, whether it's a new instrument, upgraded stage lighting, or a weekend workshop with a visiting artist. Clear goals motivate participation.
• Recognize Supporters: Feature top fundraisers or gift card purchasers in a printed program, online gallery, or donor wall at events. Recognition can go a long way in building lasting connections with supporters and a sense of community.

Creative programs deserve consistent, reliable funding, and FundScrip makes it easy to achieve. By simply shopping with gift cards, supporters can help sustain and grow the artistic spirit in schools and communities alike. Whether it’s keeping the spotlight on a local stage or helping a young artist master their technique, gift card fundraising empowers the arts to thrive.