Founding year 2026 · Wilmington, Delaware
A donation-supported arts academy. Join the Founding Circle →
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The Founding Circle

Underwrite the founding year.

Cost can never be the barrier for Luna's participants. That means donor-supported, from year one forward. Pick a Circle. Choose any amount. Skip the tiers and give what feels right.

Where the money goes

Your gift, in plain numbers.

The first-year budget is approximately $150,000, drawn from a layered mix so no single source exceeds ~30% of the total. Recurring donations are the most powerful gift you can make: they let us plan, hire, and stay open.

Every dollar of cash giving and every hour of in-kind support is tracked for our quarterly board report and grant applications.

$25/mo
funds a youth seat all year
$50/mo
supplies a paint class
$100/mo
pays an artist's monthly stipend
$1,000
underwrites a Luna Night
1Your gift
2Your details
3Confirmation

Choose your circle.

Recurring giving is the strongest support — it lets Luna plan. But every gift counts.

·
Moonbeam
$25
Monthly
◔
Crescent
$50
Monthly
●
Full Moon
$100
Monthly
✦
Luminary
$1,000
Annual
✧
Founding Luminary
$5,000+
Annual
Or choose any amount
$

Your details.

Everything is mock — this is a demo flow. No real charges.

A layered funding model

No single source
over 30%.

Six streams, each underwritten by a different community. If one slows, the others keep the doors open.
27%

Founding Donors

$40K · The Founding Circle & major gifts

13%

Recurring Small

$20K · Monthly Moonbeams & Crescents

17%

Events

$25K · Paint the Moon & quarterly fundraisers

17%

Sponsorships

$25K · Local businesses underwriting classes

20%

Grants

$30K · Division of the Arts & foundations

6%+

In-kind

$10K+ · Goods, services, and labor

Questions

Frequently asked.

Is my gift tax-deductible?
Luna Arts Academy of Wilmington is a Delaware nonprofit corporation seeking 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Until the IRS determination letter arrives, we clearly state that tax-exempt status is pending in all donor communications. Once recognized, donor deductibility generally applies retroactively to the date of incorporation. We'll keep your receipt on file either way.
Can I change or cancel my recurring gift?
Yes, anytime. Recurring giving is built on trust — life changes, and we want supporting Luna to feel like a gift, not an obligation. Email us or use the link in your monthly receipt to pause, change the amount, or end the recurring gift.
Where exactly does my money go?
First-year budget is ~$150K. Roughly: founder & ED compensation, artist instructor stipends, rent and utilities, supplies, events, insurance, software, and a contingency reserve. Donors may request information about how contributions are allocated at any time — that's part of our Delaware disclosure obligation, and it's also just the right thing to do.
Why donation-based, not tuition?
Because cost is the wall most Wilmington families hit. A donation model means a $5 contribution from a service-industry parent and a $5,000 contribution from a Founding Luminary both keep the doors open — and neither becomes a gatekeeper. Sliding-scale and pay-what-you-can are the default, not the exception.
Can I give stock, crypto, or via a donor-advised fund?
Once 501(c)(3) recognition is in hand, yes — for stock and DAF gifts. We can also accept in-kind donations of goods and services (paint, instruments, legal, printing, etc.) right now. Email us at info@lunaartsacademy.org and we'll work out the cleanest path.
Can my business sponsor instead of donate?
Yes — see the Sponsor tiers on the Get Involved page. Class, series, and year-long sponsorships all come with public recognition and customizable benefits.