Ways to Support the Clay Studio of Missoula
Donate to the Clay Studio's Annual Fund
​
Help us sustain our mission today by providing either a one-time or recurring donation to our annual fund! Unrestricted contributions can be made in any amount, and can also be anonymous or made in honor of a loved one.
​
Become a Member
​
Join Missoula's growing tradition of ceramic excellence by becoming member at the Clay Studio of Missoula! Annual Memberships available for individuals (student/senior rates available), families, and Community Mentors. Please visit our Membership Page to learn more and join today!
​
The Clay Studio of Missoula Endowment
​
In 2022, The Clay Studio of Missoula Endowment was established with the Missoula Community Foundation. Planned giving is an easy way to leave a gift for the community or interest areas you care about most. If you are interested in having The Clay Studio of Missoula be a part of your estate plan and have questions, please contact Executive Director Shalene Valenzuela (director@theclaystudioofmissoula.org/406-543-0509).
You may also contribute directly to the endowment on The Missoula Community Foundation's website. For stock donations, Montana Endowment Tax Credit qualifying gifts, or non-monetary gifts to our endowment, The Missoula Community Foundation can work with donors to get these gifts set up.
​
Residency Fellowships & Scholarships
​
Resident Fellowships awards are currently $2,500 and offer one year to support to a long-term resident artist who demonstrates exceptional merit and promise. Fellow awards will allow residents the increased opportunity to focus their attention on their work during their residency. Current fellowships may be established annually for $2750. Backers are encouraged to fund a fellowship for a minimum of two years. Our current goal is to increase the amount of support provided to all five long term residents annually.
​
The Resident Scholarship Program provides material and firing stipends to eligible short-term residents. Donors may contribute any amount during the year to our Resident Scholarship Fund.
Contact Executive Director Shalene Valenzuela to learn more about the Resident Scholarship & Fellowship Program and how to contribute (406-543-0509/director@theclaystudioofmissoula.org)
​
Thank you to the Sippy Foundation, who has provided funding for our resident fellows since 2021!
​
​
Other Restricted Gifts
​
Are you passionate about a specific part of our programming and wish to direct your support where it matters most to you?
​
Currently Established Restricted Funds
​
Youth Scholarship Fund
Our youth scholarship fund provides both full and partial financial aid to individual youth who wish to participate in onsite classes and camps, and also enables us to provide free onsite group workshops to organizations serving youth in the community.
​
Accessibility Scholarship Fund
Our Accessibility Scholarship fund will provide both full and partial financial aid to persons of any age facing financial barriers in accessing clay classes and workshops. Currently this fund is in need of growth as we are unable to offer any full scholarships yet.
​
Wood Fire Fund
Funds support ongoing maintenance & upkeep of wood kiln site, plus Biennial Wood Fire Invitational educational opportunities and activities.
​
After School & Outreach Fund
We offer free after school programing in collaboration with Missoula Parks and Recreation to title 1 MCPS public schools during the school year, in addition to free workshops to youth served by other non-profit service programs, such as Missoula Soft Landing, Watsons Children's Center, YWCA GUTS, Boys and Girls Club and The Center.
​
​​​
Contact Executive Director Shalene Valenzuela if you's like to contribute to a specific fund listed above (406-543-0509/director@theclaystudioofmissoula.org). You may also specify on your donation if you'd like it to be directed to a specific fund on your mailed check, or make a note of it in an online contribution through our Donate Now link.
​​
​​
Our "Wish List"
There are other programs that we aim to establish so we can better serve those in our community and make clay accessible to all. Though we are working behind the scenes to develop support for these funds, if you are interested in helping us get a head start in making these a reality, or have other programs you may be interested in supporting or providing resources for, please do reach out!
​​
Class & Workshop Sponsorships - Provide an Educational Experience
Mobile Clay Arts Program to Expand Access
Exhibition Sponsorships
​