Sustaining Recess
Beyond Cycles of Crisis
At Recess, we are breaking the rules of traditional nonprofit development and are building a community of Sustainers around a dynamic and holistic model of resource mobilization.
Recess Sustainers are advocates, partners, and resource mobilizers who embody the shared commitment needed to imagine a more just future.
Together, we understand moving money across our communities as an act of solidarity, that makes a more sustainable, imaginative, and just future possible. We hold ourselves accountable to shifting fundraising beyond individual transactions towards a practice rooted in community, transparency, reciprocity, and shared responsibility for cultural work.
Recurring donations at all levels help us build community power and be able to dream, plan, and care beyond cycles of crisis.
We invite you to give an amount that is meaningful to you.
Become a Sustainer with a recurring monthly, quarterly, or yearly donation. Sustainers at any level receive our Seasonal Bulletin, a Recess pin, and personalized invites to Resource Mobilization teach-ins and other shared learning workshops.
Any recurring donation helps us fund:
- Artist production expenses
- 100% free public programs
- Youth art education and resourcing
- Paying artists and system-impact young adults
- Universal staff salaries & 100% covered benefits
- Paid Board governance
Sustainer Leadership Circle
Contributions at the $50 monthly level and above are invited to join our Sustainer Leadership Circle.
This invitation-based membership has a monthly contribution of $50 - $1,000 with a three-year commitment. Sustainers in the Leadership Circle–whether at the In Solidarity or In Practice levels– are committing to donate at their agreed upon level by either contributing their own resources or securing peer contributions to meet their commitment level.
If you are interested in joining the Sustainer Leadership Circle, reach out to Sarah Ahmed, Resource Mobilization Lead at sarah@recessart.org
In Solidarity
This group of leaders direct their resources towards meeting their commitment level without expectation of reciprocity. There is no engagement level requirement, beyond their commitment to donate or raise their agreed upon amount.
In Practice
This group of leaders direct monetary resources to meet their commitment level, along with dedicating their time to strategizing with Recess leadership around the sustainability of the organization and a series of programs, including cultivation events and shared learning opportunities that extend our values. The Sustainer Leadership Circle is a coalition of members who dedicate their time to resource mobilization at Recess. They are advocates for Recess, offering their ideas and networks to activate our mission while also receiving training and shared learning opportunities.
Recess is a 501(c)3 arts organization. Your tax-deductible gift to Recess helps create spaces where art makes change possible. We bring together artists, young people, writers, and community members to imagine new publics for art. Every gift, no matter the size, helps keep our programs free and open to all.
Become a Sustainer today and join us on this journey to resource our future!