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TOGETHER WE CAN!

We are so proud of how our community continually shows up to help increase access to creative enrichment for artists of color. Our members have taken the initiative to organize auctions and sweepstakes on their own, leveraging their artwork and networks to raise money for CTF. Last year we raised over $10,000 for #CTFDIY2024!

This fundraiser allows CTF to support artists from across the country to attend some of the most prestigious art/craft schools in the US. In addition to scholarships, CTF supports Black and Brown artists in the field to access internships, residencies, and other opportunities to establish successful careers in the arts. This even includes granting funds to youth arts partners and like-minded organizations/individuals who are doing exceptional work to create pathways for aspiring BIPOC artists. Let’s work together again and reach our ultimate crowdfunding goal for the year. Please consider joining our community by raffling an original artwork or entering other artists’ raffles to WIN!

The DIY Model

When we founded Crafting the Future in early 2019 we knew the Artist Community would want to come together to create equitable opportunities and help diversify our field. However, we didn’t know that many of our members were going to be so enthusiastic to leverage their artwork on social media to raise money for the cause. To celebrate that spirit and help CTF continue our mission, we are hosting the Spring 2025 Edition #CTFDIY2025 Community Fundraiser!

How to participate as a Maker
Head on over to our Instagram CRAFTING THE FUTURE to see our #CTFDIY2025 info post!

  1. Comment on the post to let everyone know that you are going to participate.

  2. Share the post on your stories and feed!

  3. Tag your friends. Emphasize to your friends that you want them to participate!

  4. Choose an item to Auction or Sweepstake. This could be an original artwork, a piece of vintage furniture or clothes, or anything special you know folks will love! 

  5. Photograph and write a description of the work, including dimensions and approx weight for shipping calculations.

  6. Advertise your auction/sweepstake item on your personal IG. Tag @crafting_the_future and use hashtag #CTFDIY2025. The auction or sweepstakes should take place March 31-April 6. It could last one day or a whole week, but it should close by Friday April 6th.

  7. Conduct Auction or Sweepstakes the week of March 31 - April 6 and announce the winner!

  8. Mail items in a timely manner.

  9. Head to our donation page and make your tax-deductible donation to Crafting the Future. 

Okay, so do I hold a sweepstakes or an auction?!

Sweepstakes

The sweepstakes model is quite simple. You can post an artwork, a set of mugs, or whatever you want to offer, and explain in the description that people “have a chance to win for just $10!” (just an example…could be more or less for an entry). Be sure to tag @crafting_the_future, and use the hashtag #CTFDIY2025 to ensure your work is shared through our streams and we can shout out how much we adore you!

Attach your Venmo or PayPal and state a start/stop time for the sweepstakes. $10=1 entry, $50=5 entries, and so on. The more someone gives, the greater chance they have of winning. At the close of the sweepstakes, you randomly choose the winner and send them their piece! (There are some fun random generator sites like Wheel Of Names you can use to spin a wheel). Make sure to reserve enough money for your taxes/shipping, as well as material costs, and then donate 50% or more of earnings to craftingthefuture.org. Send a DM to Crafting The Future, stating who your winner is and how much money you raised, we want to thank you and promote your efforts! All proceeds go to providing craft school scholarships and professional opportunities to BIPOC artists.


AUCTION

Post a photo or two of your item. In the text, explain the work including materials and dimensions. Set a minimum bid, for example, $20, and let the folks know that following bids are to be in increments of $5 or $10. When a person bids, they should tag the name of the previous bidder so that they are alerted they’ve been outbid. You get to decide how long the auction is held. The more shares and likes, the more folks can participate. Be sure to tag @crafting_the_future, and use the hashtag #CTFDIY2025 to ensure your work is shared through our streams and we can shout out how much we adore you!

Once you call the winner, send them a DM stating Congratulations!!! You’ll need there address, and for them to pay you either through Venmo/PayPal/CashApp or however you’d like to accept payment. (If you tell them to send via “Friend & Family” no fees will occur.) Send a DM to Crafting The Future, stating who your winner is and how much money you raised, we want to thank you and promote your efforts! All proceeds go to providing craft school scholarships and professional opportunities to BIPOC artists. Make sure to reserve enough money for your taxes/shipping, as well as material costs, and then donate 50% or more of earnings to craftingthefuture.org.