Investing in Creativity

The MacDowell Colony relies on the generosity of individuals and foundations to provide vital creative support every year to more than 250 architects, composers, filmmakers, interdisciplinary artists, theatre artists, visual artists, and writers. Given the opportunity at MacDowell to experiment freely and focus exclusively on their work, many artists achieve important breakthroughs and work more productively than they ever thought possible. Previous gifts have helped encourage the creation of new works by Colony Fellows, including Milton Avery, Michael Chabon, Osvaldo Golijov, Meredith Monk, Alice Walker, and Wendy Wasserstein. Many of these artists have won Academy Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, and other major honors.

There are many ways to support artists working at MacDowell. Gifts may be designated for Fellowships or need-based stipends for artists working in specific disciplines. They can underwrite studio construction and other capital projects, or help provide public programs, special equipment, landscaping elements, and endowment funds. Naming opportunities are available for gifts at various levels. MacDowell gratefully accepts donations in the form of cash, bequests, property (such as securities and real estate), and in-kind gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. All gifts large and small will be directed entirely to support the artist residency program and will be recognized in MacDowell's annual report.

The Annual Appeal
MacDowell’s Annual Appeal is mailed each spring to the Colony’s friends, supporters, and artists, generating essential operating support for MacDowell's residency program. To read this year’s Annual Appeal letter from interdisciplinary artist and Colony Fellow Anna Schuleit, click here.

The MacDowell Circle recognizes everyone who has made an annual gift to the Colony during the fiscal year. Donors who give $2,500 or more annually are invited to join the National Council and become vital partners in MacDowell’s mission. National Council members receive invitations to MacDowell’s National Trips, exclusive events with the Colony's creative artists and patrons, and private tours of the Colony. For more information about the National Council and its benefits, please click here.

Please make a gift today to help ensure the freedom to create at MacDowell! Click on the icons at left for online giving or contact us at 212-535-9690 or via .

MacDowell Clubs and Fraternal Organziations
The artist residency program is also sustained through historic partnerships with a national network of MacDowell clubs and arts-based fraternal organizations. Gifts from these organizations provide annual contributions for Fellowships, studio maintenance, and/or general operating support.

One of these organizations is the Delta Omicron International Music Fraternity, which in 1927 helped build Delta Omicron Studio at the Colony. MacDowell and Delta Omicron Foundation, Inc. are joining forces to raise funds for Delta Omicron Studio’s renovation. For more information about the renovation project and how you can help, download a project summary by clicking here.