We Are Stronger Together

 

In Arts of Life’s 25-year history, we have faced countless challenges. Each time, our community proved its resilience and strength. Everyone has a role to play and, as always, our artists lead the way.

Our artists know we are stronger together. They uplift and care for each other, and time and again, our donors do the same. Arts of Life would not exist without the steadfast commitment of donors ensuring our community of care and creativity continues.

 

 

“We take care of to help others and be kind to one another, and things that we do here at the studio if someone needs help or something happened.”

 

 

 

We often turn to the wisdom and support Alex Scott provides our community. He deeply understands our mission and core values, and demonstrates this daily through his caring nature. If Alex hears a peer is upset, he will pause his work, remove his headphones, and walk over to offer comfort. A volunteer shared that they didn’t know how to draw, so Alex offered to teach them. While Alex prefers smaller group settings, he always participates in full studio orientation sessions, giving new artists and staff feedback, making everyone feel included.

As we face our most dire funding challenges to date, these relational moments remind us why Arts of Life is important. Over the past year alone, we lost more than 40% of our traditional grant funding. Our two largest and most consistent foundations stopped funding direct services and left the nonprofit sector entirely. And funding from the National Endowment for the Arts is now uncertain. It has become clear that while grants make growth possible, only individual donors make growth sustainable.

At the same time, Medicaid, Arts of Life’s largest earned revenue source, is being threatened like never before. We don’t know the full details yet, but the ramifications will be devastating to our artists, for whom Medicaid funds everything from day programs like ours to residential services and healthcare. Illinois’s lack of investment in disability services already ranks it in the bottom two in the United States. The impact of cuts is unfathomable.

The reality is that we don’t have the resources to sustain our work. We have cut costs as much as possible, and sadly, further cuts will reduce the career supports that set Arts of Life apart. More than ever before, during this season, we need donors to ensure our artists have the daily support and professional opportunities they deserve.

Our Spring Appeal must raise at least $60,000 to continue operations through this fiscal quarter.

Thanks to an unwavering anonymous foundation, all new and increased gifts are matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000. Please consider a contribution to unlock this critical match.

Please make your gift today. Nothing could help us more.

To help us get there, we have several exciting opportunities:

Matching Challenges – double your impact!

All new and increased gifts are matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000!

Employer Matching

Visit our new Employer Matching Gifts page to search and see if your employer offers a program to match your gift!

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Supporters who host a fundraiser through Give Lively, Facebook, Instagram and follow our 4 simple requirements receive a FREE limited edition fine art print of their choice and a one-of-a-kind hand drawn sticker by Alex Scott. Access instructions and information here.

Noncash Giving

Visit our Noncash Giving page to donate Stock, Crypto, or DAF and learn more about how these gift types optimize your tax benefits!