Artists have traditionally been supported by benefactors and investors who recognize the value of art, but who approach arts philanthropy in a conventional way: identify a need, raise the money, and then deliver the program. Under this model, the arts community receives only a minor share of the revenue it generates to reinvest in its future; seeking to change this equation, Artscape offers a new way for patrons to help the artistic community, drawing on the lessons of social enterprise.

We begin with the assumption that artists are powerful cultural, economic, social, and environmental change agents and design projects that harness this power to build vibrant and resilient communities. Then we seek out individuals, corporations, and foundations that share our aspirations to invest in our work.

These investments take the form of charitable contributions, loans, grants, and sponsorships. Investors may support an individual project like Artscape Wychwood Barns or the Artscape Generates Campaign, which raises funds to invest in the next waves of Toronto’s cultural renaissance.

Individual

Some of our donors are drawn to the social enterprise model Artscape represents, while others have a passion for the arts or a particular neighbourhood or project. Individual gifts are made through the Artscape Foundation and range anywhere from ten to one million dollars, money that is channeled into the charitable aspects of our work. Artscape projects provide a wealth of opportunities to recognize contributions, and the Artscape Foundation's staff work with major donors to develop tailor-made donor recognition strategies.

Corporate

Corporations invest in Artscape for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. Financing from major banks and other lending institutions constitutes the largest portion of our private sector investment, and a growing number of corporations are investing in Artscape via sponsorships and donations designed to support their marketing and social responsibility strategies. We have been successful in generating in-kind contributions for our real estate development projects. The Artscape Foundation’s staff meets regularly with corporate leaders to discuss how to align their interests with those of our organization.

Foundation

Foundation support has been critical in helping Artscape take on major projects like Artscape Gibraltar Point, which was launched with capital and operating support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The George Cedric Metcalf Foundation’s catalytic investment of $500,000 in the Green Barn component of Artscape Wychwood Barns helped attract interest and investment from other sources. Artscape has received support from foundations focused on arts and culture, the environment, education, social, and welfare issues.