Frequently Asked Questions

What is Art invites…?

Art invites… is a $7 million comprehensive campaign for the Springfield Museum of Art. The campaign supports three key initiatives:

» Stewardship and caring for the Museum’s facility and collections.

» Strengthening the financial foundation of the Museum.

» Providing welcoming spaces for the community to gather.

The last phase of Art invites… will transform the original North Wing of the Museum, built in 1967 and added to in 1973. Architectural plans are complete for a major renovation to this part of the facility. Construction will launch with a groundbreaking ceremony on March 23, 2023.

We have successfully completed the first two phases of the campaign, including the stewardship and care of the physical plant, and building and growing our endowment.

Who makes the decisions? Who is leading the campaign?

The Springfield Museum of Art is governed by a Board of Trustees, many of whom are also on the Art Invites… Comprehensive Campaign Committee. The Board has oversight of both the Museum and the campaign.

How much will this cost?

The Art invites… campaign goal is $7 million.

How much has been raised?

It is truly a testament to the extraordinary generosity of our community that we were able to successfully undertake a $7 million campaign.

How is the Art invites… campaign different from other fundraising activities?

The campaign is funding capital improvements and helping to increase the Museum’s endowment. The Museum continues to seek operating support through memberships, sponsorships, grants, event revenue and other gifts.

Doesn’t the Museum receive funding through a tax levy?

The Museum is a private institution and does not receive levy funding from the City of Springfield or Clark County. The Museum does receive grant funding from the Ohio Arts Council and on occasion from other government organizations, such as the National Endowment for the Arts. The Art invites… campaign has been fortunate to receive grant funding from the Clark County Convention Facilities Authority, the Springfield Conservancy District and the State of Ohio through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.

Are gifts to Art invites… tax deductible?

Yes, gifts are tax-deductible. The Museum is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Can I make a gift of stock?

Yes, gifts of stock, gifts from Capitalized Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and gifts from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are all accepted.

Can I make a pledge payable over time?

Pledges of $10,000 or more can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, with the final payment due no later than December 31, 2023. Pledges under $10,000 can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually, with the final payment due no later than Decembeer 31, 2022.

What if my company has a matching gift program, does that help?

Absolutely! Matching gifts are the perfect way to increase your gift! Many business owners and/or executive level professionals are employed by companies who may offer this charitable benefit option. It is worth exploring if you, or your spouse or partner, have a corporate matching program.

Will donors (and donation amounts) be publicly acknowledged?

Donor recognition is an important part of every campaign. All donors, unless they choose to give anonymously, will be recognized for a period of time on the Museum’s website. Donors who make gifts of $10,000 or more will be recognized on a donor wall in the Museum. Naming opportunities are currently available for gifts of $25,000 or more.

Can I make a bequest as part of the campaign?

The Museum is not including bequests in our campaign totals, as spendable funds are needed now for the capital projects and endowments. However, we would love to have you consider an estate gift to support the Museum for generations to come. Contact Shelby Bobst, Development Officer, to learn more.

How can I give?

The easiest way to give is to visit the campaign giving page on the Museum’s website here for ways to give a one-time gift online, to download a gift or pledge form, and for information about giving appreciated stock, gifts via Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Patrick Wicker, Development Officer | Direct: (937) 346-8478 | Email: pwicker@springfieldart.net