Art Lives Here Because of You: The Power of Charitable Giving

At the Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA), we see every day how charitable giving strengthens community, fuels creativity, and helps build a more vibrant and equitable future. Whether it’s a child taking the stage for the first time, an elder finding connection through visual art, or an entire town gathering around shared stories, these moments are made possible by the generosity of others.

Mallory Wintz brought audiences to tears as her portrayal of Alice Murphy in our 2024 Broadway in the Boundary Waters production of Bright Star. This program is made possible by passionate sponsors like you.

Why Giving Matters in Communities Like Ours

Charitable giving plays a vital role in fostering belonging, addressing social needs, and ensuring access to transformative experiences. When individuals choose to support causes they care about—like the arts—they're not only responding to immediate needs but investing in the long-term strength and resilience of their community.

According to Giving USA, Americans donated over $470 billion in 2020. These funds power everything from education and healthcare to the creative infrastructure that sustains cultural life. At NLAA, charitable donations keep our theaters lit, our workshops running, and our doors open to all—regardless of background or income.

Your donation makes possible:

• Free and reduced-cost youth programs

• Artist-led workshops and performances

• Technical equipment and facilities maintenance

• Professional development and fair pay for artists

• Community outreach events that connect and inspire

And that’s just the beginning.

Crystal Chopp from Ely Family Dental, Emily Weise of A Laundry Room Inc., Andrea Strom from Crapola/Brainstorm Bakery, and local educator Karin Schmidt are diligently rehearsing a quartet for the upcoming Reflections Dance Company Summer Concert, exemplifying their commitment and the rich artistic fabric of our community.

The Ripple Effect of Supporting the Arts

The arts aren’t a luxury in rural communities like Ely—they’re infrastructure. When you donate to NLAA, you help support an ecosystem that strengthens mental health, stimulates the economy, builds confidence in young people, and sustains local pride. Your gift helps us offer a stage, a gallery, a classroom, and a gathering space to those who need it most.

Donations to organizations like NLAA don’t just serve art lovers—they fuel local businesses through tourism, enrich public school experiences, and ensure that creative voices from rural America are part of the larger cultural conversation.

The Benefits of Giving—For Everyone

The act of giving benefits both recipients and donors. Research shows that charitable giving can enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress, and foster a sense of purpose. When you give to NLAA, you're not just supporting the arts—you’re investing in joy, connection, and community.

Whether it’s joining us as a volunteer or making a monthly contribution, every act of generosity counts. Many of our donors tell us that being part of NLAA’s story gives them a deeper connection to Ely and a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Smart Ways to Give

Giving can take many forms, and NLAA offers several pathways to make your support go further:

• Online or Recurring DonationsYou can make a one-time or monthly donation at northernlakesarts.org/donate. Monthly gifts provide ongoing support and help us plan sustainably.

• Will or Estate PlanningIncluding NLAA in your will allows your legacy to live on through creativity and connection. Learn more at northernlakesarts.org/will.

• Trusts, Life Insurance, or Retirement AccountsBy naming NLAA as a beneficiary, you can support future generations of artists and audiences. See options here:

  • Giving through trusts

  • Life insurance options

  • Retirement assets

• Tax BenefitsDonations to NLAA, a registered 501(c)(3), are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. This means your contribution not only helps us but may help you at tax time as well. Always consult your financial advisor for specifics.

Giving Builds Resilience

The arts are more than entertainment—they’re how we cope, celebrate, and understand each other. During times of crisis, NLAA has stepped up to provide free virtual programming, support artists whose livelihoods were threatened, and create spaces for healing. In return, our donors stepped up for us.

Giving helps us not just respond to challenges, but prepare for them—with strong infrastructure, adaptable programs, and a clear vision for the future.

Local youth shine in the 61st annual spring musical, Matilda, showcasing talent and community spirit. Your choice to invest in NLAA is an investment in the youth of our community and their future.

Inspiring the Next Generation

NLAA also believes in growing a culture of giving. That’s why our youth programs include service opportunities, encourage collaboration, and offer scholarships funded by donors like you. When young people see generosity in action, they’re more likely to carry that spirit forward into their lives.

Whether you're passing on your love of the arts to your children, honoring a loved one with a legacy gift, or making a contribution in honor of a teacher or mentor, you are helping build a community rooted in care and creativity.

Be Part of the Story

We invite you to be a part of something lasting. Join the hundreds of individuals, families, and local businesses who believe that the arts matter—not just in big cities, but right here in Ely.

Whether you give once, monthly, or plan for the future, your support fuels everything we do. Together, we’re not just preserving the arts—we’re ensuring they thrive.

👉 Make your gift today.

Because art lives here—and it lives because of you.