Get Involved
Caring individuals like you are how we keep Free Arts' programs alive. Your support and time will give the gift of healing to our vulnerable population.
Use the navigation to the right to find out just how you can get involved.
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"You really touch our hearts!! I didn’t think anyone cared ‘bout group home kids."
- Weekly Mentor Participant age 13
Welcome Back
"You have helped me in my sad and hard moments. The art that you do helps push my worries and frustrations away and makes me happy. You encourage me to do better and to be better. Everything is cool that you guys do. Free Arts is the highlight of my day. It's not just Free Arts that makes me happy, it's Mabre and Mike. Thank you so much. Ya'll are like the crutches I need, the tissue when I cry and the sun in my storms. Thanks a million"
- Manny age 15, Weekly Mentor Participant
Home > Get Involved
Invest in the HeART of our programs
The HeART Giving Program welcomes individual donors who would like to support Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona on an annual basis.* This helps us build a solid financial foundation and allows Free Arts to continue its therapeutic arts programs. These programs are provided at no cost to abused and homeless children in our community, to the child-welfare, or to social service facilities that house them.
Free Arts accepts gifts of cash, checks, credit cards and stock. Gift sizes range from $25,000+ to $5 with anything in between. If you would like to speak to someone at Free Arts about your personal gift, please contact the office, 602-258-8100. Free Arts is pleased to recognize our loyal donors with unique benefits and fun ways to see our programs in action.
Here’s what we can do with your investment:
• $5,000 – 25 children will experience our Weekly Mentor Program
• $2,500 – 5 kids will attend our Multicultural Arts Camp
• $1,000 – 6 youth can take part in our Professional Artist Series Workshops
• $500 – 15 volunteers will be screened and trained
• $100 – 2 mentors will be provided with art supplies
• $50 – 1 youth will attend a Free Arts Day
• Any Amount – ensures the future of the programs of Free Arts!
* The HeART Club is for annual donors, but we also have a multi-year giving society called the Handprint Club. The Handprint Club is a great way to plant the seeds of hope for these deserving youth for years to come! Please contact Marion Donaldson, Development Manager, at mdonaldson@freeartsaz.org or call office 602-258-8100 ext. 15 to become a Handprint Club member today.
Matching Gifts
Double, or Even Triple Your Gift!
What are Matching Gifts?
Many donors are unaware that companies may provide their employees with a matching gift program as an added benefit. These programs vary, but generally work in one of two ways: It offers a dollar-for-dollar match when an employee makes a personal gift to a nonprofit organization, or; It makes a cash donation to the organization where an employee volunteers, matching the dollars with the hours.
Contact your employer to see if this is something you would qualify for and then follow up with Marion Donaldson, 602-258-8100 ext. 15 or email mdonaldson@freeartsaz.org.
Include Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona in your will or estate.
You may want to continue helping abused and homeless children find happiness for many years to come, so please consider including Free Arts in your estate plans.
If you already have a will, you can include or update a bequest to Free Arts through a simple codicil, without executing a new will. A codicil is simply an amendment or addition to your will and is commonly used to add bequests to those already included in your will. Keep in mind that a codicil must meet all the requirements of the laws of your state for the execution of a valid will. Generally, it must be signed by you in the presence of witnesses who attest to the execution of the document. You should rely on your attorney to draft your will and any desired codicils.
Besides a straight bequest, you can also set up a trust that will benefit Free Arts during or after your lifetime, through a charitable remainder trust or charitable lead trust.
Another way to leave money is to name Free Arts as a beneficiary of an insurance policy or as the recipient of your IRA or retirement fund.
If you would like to make a bequest, please direct your funds to: Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, tax ID 86-0739613.
IMPORTANT NOTE ON THE ESTATE TAX
Due to the fluid nature of the estate tax law, it is difficult to make definitive statements about the estate tax deduction available for charitable gifts made by will. Please check with your advisor to see how the current law affects your estate plan.
Every dollar that is given to Free Arts through a bequest or other testamentary gift is fully deductible for federal estate tax purposes when certain legal requirements are met.
For a conversation or questions, please contact Candace Langholff, Director of Finance & Operations, at clangholff@freeartsaz.org or call 602-258-8100 ext. 18
In-kind Services
You can help Free Arts by donating your professional services or materials. Examples of our needs include:
Services
Printing
Equipment for special events (i.e., lighting, sound, staging, tables, chairs, etc.)
Truck usage for moving supplies to and from camp and special events
Advertising - radio, television, billboards, print ads
Public Relations
Legal consultation
Design of promotional materials
Materials for Programs
Click here for a copy of Our Wish List
Art supplies
Healthy snacks and meals
Storage space
Please contact Ruth if you have goods or services to donate:
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
103 West Highland Avenue, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Phone: 602-258-8100 ext. 21
Email: rfarber@freeartsaz.org
Every Child Matters Free Arts' 20th Anniversary Luncheon
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona invites you to attend our Every Child Matters Luncheon to celebrate our 20th anniversary kick off. This is the beginning of our celebration campaign of 20 years serving Arizona's most vulnerable, at-risk youth.
Your attendance and financial support allows us to work with over 6,000 children each year, at no charge to our 29 partner organizations.
Event is scheduled to take place at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn Resort & Spa on Wednesday, October 2, 2013.
In addition to a great silent auction and raffle, attendees can look forward to special speakers and reflections (details to come as the event gets closer).
To sponsor the event or purchase a table, please contact Development Manager, Marion Donaldson at mdonaldson@freeartsaz.org or call 602-258-8100 ext. 15. Individual tickets are $150. Tickets will go on sale in June!
Beneficiary/External Events
Events planned by community groups are a vital source of funds for our organization. We are always grateful for the generous support of our friends in the community who share our commitment to making life better for the youth in our programs. If you're interested in hosting a fundraiser with Free Arts as the beneficiary, please review our ‘Steps for Organizing a Successful External Event’ before getting started or email Maggie Cortez at mcortez@freeartsaz.org.
To see how easy it is to raise $4,000 through ‘Casual for a Cause’, click here.
Give your tax dollars to Free Arts!
The Arizona Working Poor Tax Credit program allows you to re-direct your tax dollars to help fund Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. You can also combine this tax credit with others such as the Tuition Tax Credit or the Veteran Tax Credit to save even more!
You can receive a dollar-for-dollar charitable state tax credit with your gift of up to $200 ($400 if filing jointly) by December 31, 2013.
Your contribution enables us, on your behalf, to serve the increasing numbers of at-risk youth living in homeless shelters, group homes and residential treatment facilities.
To give now through our secure donation website, click here. Simply print your receipt and file the AZ Form 321 with your state income taxes next year. You will receive a formal letter with our tax identification number for your records as soon as your gift has been processed.
To mail your contribution, please send your check (made payable to Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona) by December 31, 2013 to:
Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona
103 W Highland Avenue, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85013
Read the Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.) below or call us at 602-258-8100 if you need more information. Thank you for supporting Free Arts!
Arizona Working Poor Tax Credit F.A.Q.:
What is the Working Poor Tax Credit?
The Working Poor Tax Credit is a dollar-for-dollar charitable contribution you can give to 501(c)(3) corporations (nonprofits). With Arizona's Working Poor Tax Credit you can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, up to $200 filing single or $400 if filing a joint return, on your state income taxes while helping the homeless - at no additional cost to you.
How do I qualify for Charitable Tax Credits?
You must itemize and deduct your charitable contributions to a qualifying charitable organization. Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona qualifies as a charitable organization. AZ Form 321 and Instructions.
What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A tax credit is significantly more beneficial than a tax deduction. A tax credit reduces your taxes, dollar-for-dollar. A tax deduction reduces the taxable income upon which your tax liability is calculated.
How do I know Free Arts qualifies for the credit under this program?
Qualifying organizations are required to send the Department of Revenue a self-certification letter stating that they meet all qualifying criteria. The Department in turn publishes a list of self-certified organizations. You can request a list from Department of Revenue in Phoenix at 602.255.3381 or see notice of qualification here.
Can I take the Working Poor Tax Credit if I take the School Tax Credit?
Yes, they are separate credits and you are allowed to take advantage of both.
Does the tax credit also apply to my federal income tax returns?
No. The Charitable Tax Credit applies only on your Arizona State income tax. However, you may be able to claim a federal tax deduction for the amount donated.
Where can I get more information about the tax credit?
You can get more information by visiting the Arizona Department of Revenue website or by calling Taxpayer Assistance at 602.255.3381 or 800.352.4090.
PLEASE NOTE: Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona is not a tax advisor. Please contact a qualified tax advisor for advice on your personal tax situation.
Ways to Volunteer
Consistent Commitment:
Weekly Mentor Program (16 week terms 3 times a year)
Professional Artist Series (2-6 week commitment)
Multicultural Arts Camp (3-5 day commitment every summer)
Office Volunteer (As little as a single day as long as an eternity)
Internships (Typically 14 weeks)
Serve on a Committee (Typically 3 months)
One Time Commitments:
Free Arts Day Volunteers
Corporate Volunteering
Be an Advocate:
Host an Art Supply Drive
Host a 3rd Party Event
Host a Casual for a Cause Day
Are you interested in volunteering in one of these capacities? Sign up for a volunteer orientation, learn how to volunteer in our programs and make a difference in the lives of Arizona's youth! Or you may call the Free Arts office at 602-258-8100 for more information about volunteering or upcoming events.
How to become a Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona volunteer!
Working with homeless, abused or at-risk youth can be extremely rewarding. Our volunteer process is accomplished in the 10 steps outlined below. These steps ensure volunteers and Free Arts youth have successful interactions, experience the arts in a new way, and learn something new about themselves and the community. Our volunteer application process may take up to two months to complete, so please schedule your volunteer orientation as soon as possible.
1. Attend a volunteer orientation to learn what opportunity is right for you! Click here to sign up now!
2. Complete your volunteer application and reference letters
4. Schedule a one-on-one interview
5. Complete a background check and fingerprint clearance card
6. Attend Volunteer 101 training
7. Want to Mentor? Attend a Weekly Mentor Program training
8. Find volunteer opportunities in My Free Arts and the Volunteer E-news
9. Volunteer with the kids and have some FUN!
10. Share your experiences with Free Arts, your friends, and the community
Should you have any questions before investing your time and energy with our youth, please feel free to contact Ruth Farber, Volunteer & Programs Coordinator rfarber@freeartsaz.org 602-258-8100 ext. 21
Orientation
All of our orientations are held at the Free Arts office located at 103 West Highland Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85013.
To RSVP for an upcoming Volunteer Orientation, fill out the form below or please contact Ruth Farber at 602-258-8100 ex. 21.
Orientation Schedule & RSVP Form
Spotlight
Recognizing the diverse volunteers of our organization, the “Free to" Awards honor Free Arts volunteers who have made a significant impact in a variety of focus areas. In addition to our Volunteer of the Year, we hope to shine the spotlight on additional volunteers who have made a significant impact in our community.
Click here for a complete Summary for the 2011 Spirit of Volunteering Award Honorees
“We utilize volunteers in every aspect of our organization. Because of this, we want to recognize the diversity of our volunteers and the talents they bring. Each opportunity for involvement is truly appreciated”.
Mark Feldman, Free Arts of Arizona Board President
Internship
Internships are available in the areas of Programs, Fundraising (Grants and Special Events) and Operations/Nonprofit Management. Please see below for complete descriptions of each intern position.
To apply please submit a one page letter of interest, a current resume and one professional/academic reference letter. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and materials can be emailed to: Ruth Farber; rfarber@freeartsaz.org
All interns must pass a background check and Program interns must hold an Arizona Department of Public Safety Fingerprint Clearance Card. The cost for a background check is $12.32 and the Fingerprint Clearance Card is $65.00. (Cost subject to change.)
Programs
Weekly Mentor Intern
Professional Artist Series Intern
Multicultural Arts Camp Intern
Exhibits Intern
Program Intern
Volunteer Intern
Fundraising
Grants and Special Events Intern
Operations
$810,000
6,000
600
Projected Program Costs
6,000
Potential Youth Served
600
Volunteers Required
Give a voice to our children, contribute to their story!
HeART Club
Matching Gifts
Bequest
In-kind Giving
Event Ticketing
Beneficiary/External Events
Working Poor Tax Credit
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Ways to Volunteer
How to become a Volunteer
Orientation
Volunteer Spotlight
Internship
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