Finding those in need of encouragement

Whether there's emotional pain, a physical disability, or a lack of resources, we're looking to discover members in our community who could use an extra spark of hope. We’re looking for neighbors who feel discouraged or live with extra challenges and we want to help bring them the invaluable benefits of the arts in all its’ diverse forms. Groups that we’re serving can range from at risk youth, to adults with addictions, to people of all ages with a physical or mental disability. If a project helps just one person to find a passion for a new craft, notice something beautiful, or uplift their spirit in some way, it will have been a success.

Mother Teresa said it best when she said “the hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.” To hand-deliver love, in the form of artistic expression, to those who need it most is our main goal.

Finding the art to meet the need

Once we understand the need, we then try to creatively come up with an idea of how to meet that need by using the arts in some way. The goal of every project is to be inclusive, to invite as many people as possible to lend a hand and to benefit the lives of our neighbors through creative expression.

Our focus isn’t just about giving finances, but is more about giving our time, our creativity and our enthusiasm. When we enjoy something, a natural response is to share it. Picture a father teaching his son guitar, or a surfer taking their friends out in the water. We’re designed to share what we love. At Foundation For The Arts, we want to make it easier for people to share what they love, especially with those who could use a boost.

Finding the artists

After we develop the project, it’s time to add the most important element: people. And we’re inviting everyone to help. If a volunteer has the common goal of serving those in need, or being passionate about a particular art discipline, that’s all we need! We love to see people come together and, in so doing, ignite solutions to everyday struggles through creative ideas and enthusiastic collaboration.

Making an impact

After a project team has put all of the pieces in place, the only thing left to do is go out and serve.

Whether we’re giving or receiving, we each have a passion, skill or craft that brings us enjoyment. When we’re serving others with those interests we experience more of humanity.

At Foundation For The Arts, we believe giving is better than receiving and that this exchange creates a feeling of belonging. For this reason, we’re casting a wide net so that we’re able to invite everybody to help anybody. By using the arts to serve, we’re asking people to share their creative passions with those around them. Ultimately, when people exchange passions and connect with their neighbors, they impact the world for the better.