Photograph collections connect humanity. These holdings are universal and treasured across geographic, religious, and societal divides.
As nations worldwide struggle with escalating natural disasters, armed conflict, economic collapse, illiteracy, and other crises, the need to work together to preserve our world’s photographic heritage is clear and immediate. While we vigilantly document, treat, and care for these collections, photograph conservators must also lead, collaborate, transform, advocate, and fundraise……
Individuals seeking support for new and existing photographic preservation initiatives must be alert to changes in the philanthropic environment. We must pay attention to the aims of funders and develop pioneering proposals that connect to their mission. While foundations are guided by educational goals and vision, individuals give to causes they feel passionate about – or institutions to which they are closely connected. And for our private practitioners, we must pursue for-profit/non-profit partnerships or sponsored opportunities that enable financial access to 501(c)3 entities.
We must find resonance and connect our work to global societal concerns. We should connect with established regional partners and not operate in isolation
In doing so, each of us must build our skills and refine our vision. AIC-PMG members offer experience in national and global outreach and collaborative initiatives.
Our message must be unified and consistent. And our work, collaborative.
We must highlight our stories, preservation challenges and solutions, celebrate success and keep donors engaged. As we work to preserve photographic collections we must emphasize the central role of arts and culture in inspiring change and promoting unity.
This presentation will center on the lessons learned in fundraising for the preservation of photographic materials and the education and training of emerging conservators and collection care professionals globally.
In doing so, the author will provide practical guidelines learned following decades of rewarding work in institutional advancement / development – relevant for both institutions and sole proprietors and connected to outcomes from Held in Trust.
The following topics will be addressed:
Documenting Need, Relevance. and Addressing WHY?
Connecting to Funders Goals and Opportunities
Funding Sources and Strategies
- Government grants (local and national)
- Global or local foundations
- Corporations
- Professional organizations
- Established programs for collections preservation
- Online platforms
- Advanced research fellowships & partnerships
- Special events
- Individual donors
- Project Specifics and Proposal Guidelines & Tips
Lessons Learned in Aggregate
- Identify a spectrum of funding needs. Pursue many.
- Build a culture of philanthropy.
- Tell stories.
- Seek spendable and endowment funding. And matching support too.
- Inform and involve decision makers regularly. Share success.
- Involve the public. Engage communities broadly. Seek volunteers.
- Be a part of the solution.
- Collaborate globally. Connect to societal needs.
- Share your passion; it is contagious.
- Take risks. Do not be shy.
- Ask for support with enthusiasm and conviction.
- Lead.
- Prepare clear/transparent budgets.
- Pursue multi-phased preservation initiatives with pilot projects based on collection assessment and need.
- Celebrate accomplishments and clearly articulate next steps.
