Help Keep Handmade in America Strong
Donate Today and Give A Hand To Handmade
In a world of mass manufacturing and throwaways, HandMade in America celebrates the rich traditions of craft.
HandMade has led Western North Carolina and the nation in developing a new creative economy based on tradition, respect for the handmade object and cultural heritage.
- We believe in the power of the handmade to transform both individuals and communities.
- We believe in building partnerships and economies in a culture that nourishes.
Our history reflects our commitment to ensuring grassroots community economic development in Western North Carolina. Handmade in America works hard every day to bring model programs that serve Western North Carolina and that work for communities across the U.S.
Your contribution adds your voice to many others in the American handmade movement. HandMade in America leads the way so that American craft traditions reach the next generation. Donations help to ensure that these programs will continue to be leading models of innovation and excellence, and that they are sustainable and transferable to new audiences.
Help us spread the word, so that together we can deliver the keys to creative and sustainable economic development in an industry of craft artists, working studios, classrooms, galleries, small towns and entrepreneurs to an audience eager to receive them. We need you!
The HandMade in America Team
Board and StaffWays of Giving
There are many ways you can contribute to HandMade in America’s mission. Your financial gift aids our advocacy efforts, numerous arts education activities, existing programs, and supports new, innovative projects for the benefit of regional craft artists.
- Online: Make a one-time or recurring donation online using your debit or credit card.
- Mail: Mail your contribution in check form to HandMade in America, PO Box 2089, Asheville, NC 28802.
- Planned giving: Designating a planned gift in your will provides a legacy of sustainable economic development in Western North Carolina.
- In-kind: There are many important programs and initiatives at HandMade in America to which in-kind contributions may be directed.
- Corporate giving: HandMade in America’s corporate partners support our core programs and initiatives through corporate donations.
- Volunteer your time: Make a difference in our community by volunteering your time.
To learn more these donation methods and how your gift to HandMade in America supports Western North Carolina’s craft community, contact Donna Abranches, Director of Development, at dabranches@handmadeinamerica.org or 828-252-0121 x 317.
Thank you for your loyalty and enthusiasm. We look forward to working with you as we build for the future.
How your support helps
When you support HandMade in America, you join the many who understand the intrinsic value of craft and cultural heritage in their lives and in their community. The stories and quotes below demonstrate how supporters have helped HandMade in America strengthen your communities. Thanks for your support.
- RALF Donations Making a Difference for HandMade
HandMade in America recently conducted a fundraising campaign in honor of our retiring founding director, Becky Anderson. In a little over a year, 152 individuals and organizations made donations to the Rebecca Anderson Legacy Fund (affectionately called "RALF"), for an amazing total of $43,620 - an average gift of nearly $300!
RALF donations have enabled HandMade to bring our technology infrastructure up to date, the necessary prelude to our website reconstruction. We have now finished the new website, and because of your generosity, we will soon be able to expand online opportunities for our constituents. RALF donations have also made it possible for our board and staff to work with strategic planners to update and expand HandMade's services. Through your financial support of HandMade in America, you are promoting the values of creativity, innovation, tradition, and culture throughout our region.
- Fall 2009, Marketing and Technology Classes
In Fall 2009, HandMade in America began a series of classes on using web technology as a marketing tool for craft artists. The classes were funded in part by the AT&T Foundation, and were offered free to the general public. Attendees came from Western North Carolina, East Tennessee and South Carolina and were at capacity each time. Because of the financial support from participants in these workshops, HandMade is able to continue the classes into the spring of 2010 and take them out into the rural communities. In the spring of 2010, similar trainings will be held in Cherokee, Swain, Mitchell and Avery counties. Thanks for your support!
Volunteer/internship opportunities
At HandMade in America, our work to grow regional economies and create innovative programs is never complete. We are constantly seeking support as we look toward the future. Your time and energy will have a huge impact!
The first step towards becoming a volunteer or intern is to check out our website, see the scope of our work, and discover what appeals to you. Next, fill out this form (hot linked to form, see below) to help us understand how you'd like to be involved with HandMade in America. We will review your interests and then contact you to give you an idea of the projects for which we need volunteers or interns.
Please fill out our volunteer form and email it back to us. We’ll contact you as soon as we're able to talk about specific projects.
Volunteer Form