Oh my these are gorgeous!  Great jobs!

I have been donating my work to charities for years--it is what keeps me going.  In fact, I only sell my work to pay for materials for my charity work.  I have donated such a variety of things, it is hard to remember them all, but some have been burial outfits for stillborn babies to full size lace tablecloths for the United Way.  I would encourage every artist or craftsperson to donate something of their work for charity, either for direct use to the recipient, or for fundraisers; I have done both and both are equally rewarding.  Thank you for this post, Barbara Cullimore

I have donated art work to a variety of charities over the years.  It's really fun when they set the challenge for the artists!  Additionally, I teach an art class for the residents of the retirement community where I work.  Twice a year we create a group art project that is auctioned off to benefit the Alzheimer's association.  This year's project was a wall hanging made of painted muslin squares that were block printed using found objects.  My students had a great time creating the piece and having it auctioned off for a good cause simply added to the joy.

What a wonderful idea! How can I find groups (in my area or elsewhere) that want art pieces to raise money for their charity? Do I contact charities of my choice? Is there a bulletin board somewhere? Those who have done this, please, fill me in. Thanks! It does the heart twice the good: creating and giving.

Lots of time, people in my life inspire my pieces and in those cases I gift the original to them.  I donate 50% of my merchandise (cards, prints, bookmarks, etc.) of two of my pieces - Brave Girl and Sisterhood Girls to a ***/Ovarian Cancer non-profit that I've partnered with (FORCE: facing our risk of cancer empowered).  You can see the pieces in my shop here: www.etsy.com/.../JCSpock

I recommend finding a smaller or local non-profit as they will likely be more willing to partner with you.  Many large non-profits don't want to be affiliated with other entities and won't allow you to publicize your affiliation with them.  The organization I'm working with put my pieces up on their site, have directed traffic my way which in turn generates more sales and more money coming back to the organization.  It's a win-win and I just made all their holiday cards for them (at cost) and sent them a bunch of additional stuff.

Additionally, I listen to cues all around me.  I often send free artwork to people when I learn that they are in need of a boost or need some inspiration.  If a customer tells me that they are sending one of my items to someone in a difficult spot, I often send more than they ordered.  I often send free art to complete strangers; like a previous commenter said, I think that its important to pay it forward.

I'm so blessed and full of gratitude for my life so sharing art is so humbling!

In response to Susan's question:

If you are interested in donating artwork to help charities, I would suggest calling the charities of your choice and inquiring if they have ever done an art auction.  Additionally, if you are a member of any local art groups or guilds, they are usually the first contact for most charities looking for art donations.

Additionally, if you knit or crochet, charities such as Hospice always needs laprobes; hospitals will accept caps for babies; homeless shelters always need items such as hats, mittens, socks, scarves, etc.

Another charitable giving opportunity is your local Arts Council.  The one in my hometown holds several art auctions annually and the proceeds benefit children's art programming in the schools.

Susan, I hope you find these suggestions helpful.  If you have any other questions, just send me a message via this site and I'll be glad to help.

~Liz

I will be donating art this holiday season to benefit an organization that offers private plane rides for terminally ill children.  Sorta like Make a Wish on a smaller scale.  I came across it by chance, and it seems well worth it.