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 Wilmington Arts Academy 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 hello@lunawilm.org and we'll work out the cleanest path.
Is Luna affiliated with Over the Border Tacos?
No. The Whale Building corridor next to Over the Border Tacos is the proposed home because of foot traffic and the existing community gathering pattern. Luna is a separate nonprofit entity. Conflict of interest policy, annual disclosures, and recusal protocols ensure the nonprofit's resources never subsidize any for-profit operation.
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.