When we first started talking about ShopforTheArts in 2000, we all had our own experiences with non profits.  Our founder, Jim Gould, was a financial advisor and during that time he had served on the Board of Trustees of museums, foundations, hospitals, schools, and theatres.  Kate was an internet consultant, and had worked with many nonprofits to present themselves online.  She was a regular contributor to various magazines, and had championed individual needs within her community.  Her husband, Rob, was a systems analyst who designed the backend of many complex e-commerce sites.  Aaron was in the catering business, and had specialized in event management for nonprofits.  Danielle was an educator and had served on the Board of a Waldorf school.  Trevor was a recent college graduate looking to combine his major in computers with his interest in business.

We all concurred that nonprofits were handicapped in their efforts to acquire the funds necessary to execute their missions.  Fundraising was an activity that generally proceded from a position of asking for money.  We felt there had to be a way that these worthy organizations could be empowered to better control their destinies.

We further felt that in many cases the for-profit sector came up short in its support of the nonprofit sector.  Corporations gave money to their own foundations, and many used the money to finance causes that were complimentary to their businesses. Our mission was to create a way for nonprofits to receive funds from merchants on demand. 

ShopforTheArts was developed to help organizations raise the necessary funds to grow and support their needs. Based in Washington, DC, the ShopforTheArts merchant program completes the circle of finance, returning money from the for-profit sector to the organizations that need more funds to make the world a better place.

Largest Merchant Network Available Anywhere!

Our online merchant program has over 1,000 nationally recognized merchants including Hallmark, Macy's, Barnes & Noble, and Wal-Mart. Whenever someone shops at any of these merchants through the ShopforTheArts website, the merchants return a percentage of each purchase. When you shop online, merchants attract traffic, and ShopforTheArts charities can expand their resources to make the world a better place.

Respecting Your Privacy

ShopforTheArts does not track your shopping experience.  Any transaction is entirely between you and the merchant and takes place completely off our servers.  You may choose to register in order to be recognized for your conscientious shopping, enter our monthly drawing, or use our contact page, but it is not required.  Click here to read our privacy policy.

About ShopforTheArts – The Vision of Change

Chairman and founder of ShopforTheArts, Jim Gould, has spent his life involved with non-profit organizations. Making a difference and helping these organizations reach out and achieve their goals has always been a challenge he welcomed. ShopforTheArts is the product of having solicited friends and associates for capital campaigns, spent seemingly endless hours planning and executing fundraising events, and advising philanthropists about planned giving opportunities.  ShopforTheArts does not replace any of these - it is, however, another innovative way for people who support the arts to make a difference. 

For more information about ShopforTheArts, please contact us.