Giving to Watershed


Watershed is funded by a variety of individuals, businesses, private foundations, and government agency grants. Fees paid by participants in Watershed programs account for approximately 40% of the organization’s income. Fundraising events around the country augment the donated and earned income. Watershed’s Board of Trustees and Advisors maintain 100% participation in supporting the organization with their monetary gifts.

Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax exempt to the extent allowed by law.

Annual Gifts . Kiln Gods . Named Memorials . In-Kind Donations .
Gifts to the Operating Endowment
Endowed Fellowships . Capital Campaign

Annual Gift: Gifts to Watershed’s Annual Appeal are gratefully accepted from artists, collectors, businesses, board members, community supporters and art lovers in general. This financial support allows us to fund residencies and clay arts programs each year. Give online now

Kiln Gods: A $2000 donation funds an artist for the coming summer and bestows upon the donor the status of Kiln God. Kiln Gods receive a letter from the artist they are supporting which describes their project and progress. They are also invited to visit the residency for slide talks and open studio visits with the artists. Give online now

2009 Kiln Gods: Elizabeth & Mark Levine; Anonymous donors (2); David Charak; Hila & Saul Rosen; Karen Johnson-Boyd; Candice Groot; Edward Kerson; Betty & George Woodman; Barbara Tober; Karl Duckstein; Brian Daggett & Franz Rabauer; William Alcorn; Association of Israel's Decorative Arts; Bailey Ceramic Supply; UMass Dartmouth; Faculty of the New York State College of Ceramics, Dept of Art, at Alfred University; Ohio State University; Anonymous foundation gift

Named Memorials: The Pat Doran Memorial accepts gifts in Pat Doran's memory.
Give online now

In-Kind Donations: We gladly accept donations of goods, materials and services or labor from businesses and individuals. Each piece of office equipment, each kitchen appliance, kiln, wheel, stack of roof shingles or building material donated to Watershed helps to keep our studio, office and residence in good shape. Contact our office for a list of our current needs or to make a donation.

Gifts to the Operating Endowment: Unrestricted gifts to this Operating Fund underwrite Watershed’s existence. These funds are invested and the income is used for daily expenses such as administration, taxes, insurance and utilities. This endowment provides the supporting framework for artist residencies, Mudmobile and community programs. Appreciated stocks and other capital gifts are especially appropriate donations for this category. Contact our office to give to the operating endowment.

Endowed Fellowship: A gift of at least $20,000 provides for a named endowment fund, which generates income to fund one artist for a two-week residency each year in perpetuity. Watershed’s existing named endowments can be augmented with additional gifts. Contact our office about endowed fellowships.

Endowed Fellowships include:

  • Barry L. Thurman Endowed Residency (accepts gifts in Barry L. Thurman’s memory)
  • Howard Kottler Endowed Residency (accepts gifts in Howard Kottler’s memory)
  • Archipelago Foundation Annual Residency Fund

Maintenance Fund: Gifts toward the Maintenance Fund are Board restricted for use on projects related to buildings and grounds upkeep and repair. With the completion of two phases of Watershed's Capital Campaign - The Cabins & The Kiln Annex - Watershed's facilities are strengthed and improved; these funds will provide for the increased maintenance needs over the years. Contact our office to give to the Maintenace Fund.

Capital Campaign: Watershed is very grateful for the financial support from artists, foundations, Board members, Founders, collectors, community members, and businesses to bring the first two phases of Watershed's Capital Campaign to completion. Please take a moment to look at pictures of the completed Cabins & Kiln Annex capital campaign projects.

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