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For independent artists and performers, bridging the gap between a creative vision and a live production often comes down to successful fundraising. While government grants provide a foundation, private sector support and digital fundraising offer powerful ways to build a community around your show. This session explores how to create a compelling case for support and leverage platforms like the Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) to reach your financial goals for Adelaide Fringe.

Contents

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Filmed: 30/07/2024

Key Takeaways

  • Fundraising is Relationship Building: It is not a transaction or "hitting people up"; it is an expression of the connection between you and your audience.
  • The ACF Advantage: The Australian Cultural Fund allows Independent Artists and small groups to offer tax-deductibility to donors without having to hold personal DGR status.
  • Ask and Inform: Most people don’t give simply because they haven't been asked or they don’t realize a project needs financial support.
  • Fee-Free Support: Unlike many crowdfunding sites, the ACF is fee-free, meaning 100% of the donations raised go directly to the artist.

Understanding Arts Fundraising

Fundraising in the arts is often viewed with hesitation by artists who find the prospect of "asking for money" daunting. However, it is essential to reframe this mindset: people give money because they feel connected to your mission and are convinced of its value. Private sector support—which includes donations, sponsorships, and philanthropy—exists because government funding alone cannot meet the total creative ambition of the industry.

There is a distinct difference between Sponsorship and Philanthropy. Sponsorship is a strategic business partnership where the funder receives material benefits, like logo placement or tickets. Philanthropy is values-aligned; individuals give because they believe in your work and your vision. For most Fringe artists, focusing on individual philanthropy through digital campaigns is the most accessible path to success.

The Australian Cultural Fund (ACF)

The ACF is an online platform specifically designed to "even the playing field" for artists. Traditionally, only large organizations with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status could offer tax receipts for donations. The ACF acts as an intermediary, allowing any artist with an ABN to provide these receipts to their supporters.

Keep What You Raise

One of the most significant benefits of the ACF compared to platforms like Kickstarter or Pozible is the "keep what you raise" model. In an "all-or-nothing" model, failing to reach a $5,000 goal by even a small margin means you receive $0. With the ACF, if you aim for $5,000 and raise $4,500, that money is still granted to you to support your show. Furthermore, the ACF does not charge platform fees, ensuring your hard-earned funds stay within your production budget.

Creating a Case for Support

Your "Case for Support" is the heart of your fundraising campaign. It is the document or narrative that explains why your show matters and why someone should invest their money in it. It must be more than a simple description of the performance; it needs to communicate the impact. Are you telling a story that hasn't been heard? Are you providing a platform for emerging talent? Are you bringing a unique experience to the Adelaide Fringe audience?

When building your case, consider your Network Mapping. Don't just look for "rich people." Look for your community—friends, family, past audiences, and local businesses who share your values. Your case for support should be tailored to show these people how their contribution directly enables the work to happen.

Actionable Tips

  • Register Early: Set up your ACF profile and campaign well in advance. Remember that payouts happen on a monthly cycle, so if you need funds in October, your campaign should finish in September.
  • Be Specific with Costs: When asking for money, tell donors exactly what it covers (e.g., "$500 pays for our rehearsal space for a week" or "$1,000 covers our travel from interstate").
  • Update Your Supporters: Use the ACF dashboard to post updates and videos. Keeping donors in the loop makes them feel like part of the creative process.
  • Check Your ABN: Ensure you have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) before starting your ACF registration, as this is a mandatory requirement.
  • Leverage the "Free Coaching": Reach out to the Creative Australia State Managers for free advice on your fundraising strategy.

Additional Resources