Support

We invite you to support the radical proposition that is Surf Point: a breathtaking coastal residency program in York, Maine that is devoted to nurturing contemporary visual artists. Since 2019, guided by the Trust of philanthropist Mary-Leigh Smart and artist Beverly Hallam, we have made space for artists and art professionals to rest, create, and connect. The residency is a springboard for free and dynamic public programs - check them out here! Your tax-deductible gift funds residencies, free public programs, and the stewardship of Surf Point’s shoreline, woods, gardens, archives, and treasured buildings—helping artists and our shared culture thrive.

Make a Financial Contribution

Gifts of any amount make Surf Point possible; we welcome donations in many different ways and based on your ability to give, including:

• One-time or recurring gifts online

• Make a gift in honor or memory of someone you care about

• Recommend a grant from a donor-advised fund

• Donate appreciated securities

• Request an employer matching corporate gift

• Ask whether your employer matches volunteer hours

• Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA (70 ½ years or older)

• Include Surf Point in your will or estate plans

• Name Surf Point as a beneficiary of a retirement account, investment account, or life insurance policy

• Mail a check payable to Surf Point P.O. Box 446, York, ME 03909

Every gift is either designated towards general operating support or can be designated to a specific project.

Open a Door

Do you know a person, foundation, corporation, family office, financial adviser, giving circle, or community group that might care about Surf Point? A name, idea, introduction, or invitation to begin a conversation is welcome.

You might:

• Introduce us to someone who cares about artists, contemporary art, Maine, conservation, historic preservation, archives, or public access to culture

• Recommend Surf Point to a family foundation or donor-advised fund

• Share a grant opportunity or foundation that may be a good fit

• Connect us with a corporate giving or employee-matching program

• Invite us to speak with a group of friends or prospective supporters

• Forward this page to someone who may be interested

Surf Point welcomes support for artist stipends, sponsored residencies, public programs, archives, land conservation, historic preservation, accessibility, organizational capacity, capital projects, and general operations.

Share Resources, Skills, or Expertise

Depending on our current needs, you can contribute resources, expertise or hospitality, such as:

• Donate airline miles or travel credits for resident travel

• Donate a desired book or publication to the Surf Point library

• Offer professional expertise or pro bono services

• Contribute artist materials, equipment, food, or household supplies

• Donate artwork appropriate to Surf Point’s mission and collection

• Sponsor a resident meal, public program, or community gathering

• Host a dinner, reception, or conversation at Surf Point

• Bring friends, colleagues, or prospective supporters for a visit

• Organize a birthday, anniversary, or special-occasion fundraiser

• Host a Surf Point alumni gathering with your organization

A shared meal, studio conversation, garden visit, or walk along the shoreline can help someone experience Surf Point in a way that a written description cannot.

Please contact us before arranging a gift of artwork, equipment, or other property so that we can determine whether Surf Point can appropriately accept and use it.

Participate and Help Build Our Community

Every person who visits, participates, volunteers, gives, introduces, or shares our work becomes part of Surf Point’s community. You can:

• Attend a free public program

• Schedule a visit

• Shop at the Surf Point store

• Volunteer at a public program

• Volunteer at or visit the Wild Knoll Foundation Garden

• Propose a public program or partnership

• Share stories, photographs, or information about Surf Point’s history

• Tell artists and arts workers about Surf Point

• Invite friends to attend a program

• Join our mailing list, or follow and share our work on Instagram

Surf Point is a 501c3 public charity. 75% of our annual budget of $850k comes from funds invested with F. L. Putnam. The remaining 25% is raised each year through individuals, foundations, corporations, and in-kind contributions.

As a young organization, a gift of any size helps pay artists, sustain the residency, care for this remarkable place, and keep our public programs free. It also demonstrates the broad public support that is essential to Surf Point’s future.