Resources

Advocacy Resources

Our advocacy toolkit gives you the facts, figures, and information you need to advocate effectively. We equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate with change-makers in your community.

Our Main Talking Points

State Investment in the Creative Economy Supports our Workforce

Many rural Wisconsin communities have authentic unique cultures to celebrate, yet they have long contended with an evolving economy that has harmed local industry. Many workers leave Wisconsin seeking opportunities in the “big city.” Investing in the creative economy would help establish “big city” amenities in all of Wisconsin’s communities. Investing in the creative economy will help retain current residents and attract new workers.

Wisconsin Lags Behind Other Midwest Arts Investments

Although Wisconsin has an abundance of creativity in our communities, our cultural infrastructure remains underfunded. Wisconsin is 48th nationally in per-capita funding for arts and culture, according to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. This is in stark contrast to our Midwestern neighbors. Wisconsin’s current arts agency spending is $0.18 per capita. By comparison, per capita arts agency spending in Minnesota is over $10 and Illinois is spending over $5.

Investment in the Creative Economy Will Help Wisconsin Grow

Community economic development leaders recognize that arts and culture sustain and attract people and businesses that underpin local economies. They understand that businesses and workers want to be in communities that have thriving local culture that harnesses the arts. Investment is needed to grow local economies, strengthen workforce development, and improve quality of life in all of Wisconsin’s communities.

Fiscal Receiver Services

Create Wisconsin, as a 501(c)(3) public charity, can provide limited oversight and fundraising assistance for a project or organization. With Create Wisconsin as a fiscal receiver, the project or organization is eligible to apply for and receive grants and tax-deductible contributions.

How it Works

Create Wisconsin makes a MightyCause fundraising page for you to share with potential donors and funders, and receives a 5% fee on each donation or grant amount received.

Credit card donations are subject to service fees, which are deducted from the client’s total monies raised.
Donations can be made online or by check payable to Create Wisconsin, Box 1054, Madison, WI 53701 (please have donors include the project name on the check).
Donors can make one-time or recurring (monthly) donations.
Create Wisconsin can provide a receipt for non-monetary (in-kind) donations of equipment and materials.
Create Wisconsin will provide a spreadsheet of monies raised and distributed to project administrators.

What does Create Wisconsin need to know about my project?

To get started with fiscal receivership, please send a message to Create Wisconsin ([email protected]) with a brief description of your project for fundraising & promotional purposes. We do not need a detailed budget, financial statement, or mission/vision statement.

What financial records does Create Wisconsin need regarding my project?

No financial records are necessary, but the SSN or EIN for the payee is required.

What do I need to include about Create Wisconsin in my funding proposals?

Some funders simply need the name of the organization (Create Wisconsin), others will request a letter of commitment. In most cases, sending Create Wisconsin’s IRS tax exempt form will suffice. We will provide a copy of our IRS tax exempt form and a letter of commitment when the fiscal receiver process begins. When describing your tax status in your proposal, say “We are working with Create Wisconsin, a 501c3 organization registered with the state of Wisconsin and Internal Revenue Service, as our fiscal receiver. All donations/grants are made to Create Wisconsin on our behalf.”

How will I receive funds raised via Create Wisconsin?

Create Wisconsin pays bills every two weeks, via check, wire transfer, or PayPal (additional charges apply for wire transfer and PayPal). Please note that we don’t have the capacity to adminster your project or program by paying individual bills. We send the funds raised to a businesss or individual (see below) and you pay your vendors and contractors as needed.

How should I claim monies raised on my taxes?

The IRS requires someone or some business entity to pay taxes on grants and donations. Therefore, Create Wisconsin must send any monies raised to an individual or a business entity, such as an LLC or sole proprietorship. If you receive monies as an individual, you are required to claim that amount as personal income; if you receive monies as a business, you are required to claim that amount as business income.

How should I recognize Create Wisconsin in my project promotion?

Everywhere you promote your project, please include the Create Wisconsin logo and credit “Thank you to Create Wisconsin for fiscal receiver services.”