(Photo from Creative Capital)

Throughout history artists and writers have often enjoyed the patronage of aristocrats, the monied and others willing to fund their ventures. Today it seems there's little of this type of philanthropy going on. It's hard for artists and writers to support their work while also trying to support their families. Especially so in the U.S., where there is little government funding for creative types. Part-time jobs turn into full-time jobs and the art suffers. Mainly what artists and writers need is the time to create, and that time is usually only available if they have the funds to take that time away from activities they need to keep the bread on the table.

So what is one to do? Yes, there are contests, there are fellowships, there are some grants. But these are hard to come by, especially if you're starting out, or even if you've perhaps made some progress in your art. Often, artists and writers who have already made it are the ones who end up winning these benefits, and by then they're often functioning comfortably enough to continue their work. Anything else helps of course, but what about the poor starving artist.

Being a poor starving artist isn't the best thing for one's psyche. Believe me, I know. To be honest, I'd rather not be writing these blog posts, rather not be working in the job I am currently working in, if only I had the money to be able to take a good amount of time off and write fiction. Since 1999 I've written three novels, one which is supposed to be published sometime this year, and a non-fiction book, all the while trying to keep afloat through freelance writing and journalism, all while traveling, studying, and moving around the world, and it can really wear a person out. Eventually I took on a full time job as a writer for a foundation, which is where I am today. I do enjoy the work, and am very interested in the topics I'm working with for them, and what I'm doing here.

But still, if I could do anything, I'd simply be writing fiction, perfecting my craft, getting better (hopefully), and eventually publishing more and more.

So when something like Creative Capital comes along, I do think it deserves some props. I wish there were at least a hundred more organizations out there like this.

Creative Capital, a New York City-based nonprofit organization, acts as a catalyst for the development of adventurous and imaginative ideas by supporting artists who pursue innovation in form and/or content in the performing and visual arts, film and video, and in emerging fields. We are committed to working in partnership with the artists whom we fund, providing advisory services and professional development assistance along with multi-faceted financial aid and promotional support throughout the life of each Creative Capital project.

Founded in January 1999, Creative Capital grew out of a realization among arts leaders that it was time to take a positive approach to funding American artists. This group proposed combining innovative ideas from the commercial sector with the nonprofit sector's integrity of purpose to create a new national initiative. Creative Capital was designed not as a substitute for the public support of individual creativity - or for other private sector efforts - but to stimulate greater support for individual artists.

Creative Capital supports work with the potential for significant artistic and cultural impact. We seek to act as a catalyst for the development of adventurous and imaginative ideas. We are interested in artists who are deeply engaged with their art forms and exhibit a rigorous commitment to their craft, as well as projects that transcend discipline boundaries. In particular, we look for artists who are articulate about their work and who have an understanding of the professional landscape. Creative Capital is committed to diversity in all its forms.

I found out about Creative Capital about two years ago, applied, though didn't make it (I was applying for a poetry grant, though I never thought my project was sufficiently 'innovative' in the mulitmedia direction they were looking for). Though I didn't make it, I was still very excited about what they do. Creative Capital funds projects, some quite generously. But here's the best part: It's not simply donations they give away. Those who are funded are encouraged to pay back a certain percentage into the Creative Capital fund from whatever earnings they make off the project. If they don't make anything, they don't have to pay anything. It's sort of a loose loan. The main thing is the selection process, selecting artists whose work they think has value, and helping them along. If that artist and project takes off, then all the better, they can help put money back into the system to help more artists find the time and money to work on their initiatives. I think this does work because of the rigorous selection process, as well as through generous funders of course. It's not simply philanthropy, or patronage, or fellowship grant money, it is something that could be sustainable and grow and expand. They also seem very dedicated to helping those they fund along during the project.

One of our core goals is to ensure that the artists gain benefits that will last long after the formal relationship with Creative Capital concludes. Toward that end, we provide opportunities for our grantees to develop proficiency in strategic planning, fundraising, public relations, and marketing through our Artist Services Program, which includes an initial project-planning meeting with each grantee and offers a number of other useful resources.

Here you have a great example of a hybrid non-profit/profit social enterprise to fund the arts. They seem to be off to a great start.

Now for an e-mail cleansing link drop ...

*Tony Gibbs, Managing Director of U.K.-based charitytraining.com looks at the challenges of sustainability facing trustees.

*Lancaster students win national trophy at SIFE.

*Wood machinist goes the social enterprise route working with disabled and disadvantaged people.

*Motivating workers demands more than handshakes, plaques.

*Columbia Business School's Social Enterprise Program benefits through donations.

*Tit Bits, Hand-knitted Breasts!

*Entries invited for the Guardian Public Services Awards 2006.

*Social enterprise is about more than recycling and restaurants, at the New Statesman.

*Software and social enterprise in Montana.