Support

Dear Community,

Because you are an integral part of our loyal support base, I’m reaching out during a very challenging moment for Side Street Projects. Presently, we’re experiencing a perfect storm of challenges that affects the viability of our organization. It is our hope that we can weather this storm successfully by mobilizing the efforts of those who have witnessed the effectiveness of our organization over the past three decades.

This year, our operating budget was negatively impacted by the loss of five grants that we have received consistently, and anticipated annually. This unexpected shortfall has left us pooling resources to fulfill our commitment to the community as we move into the new school year. We are now facing a cash flow shortage that must be bridged while we wait for projected funding to be received at the end of the year.

In addition, we have experienced an unprecedented increase in break-ins to our facility, starting with squatters early in the pandemic. We continue to find broken windows and stolen equipment. Most recently, the catalytic converter was stolen from our brand new clean air woodworking bus. These break-ins not only impact our staff’s morale and sense of safety, they have also resulted in an estimated total loss of $50,000. As a result of filing policy claims, our cost of insurance was increased by $35,000. 

Our board and staff have worked tirelessly over the last year to find a safer space to relocate our headquarters so we can continue to serve the community with high-quality arts programming. Through our partnerships with local community organizations and government entities, we have identified a high potential location that fits within our means. 

Today, we urgently need community support to get us over this fall hump, stabilize our budget, and secure a move to a safer location. I do not want a cash flow challenge to cause the closing of an organization that has been an integral part of the fabric of this community for more than 32 years. While we do have restricted funds available for programs, we are lacking basic operating dollars needed to weather this storm. This letter is one part of an emergency appeal to raise $100,000 of unrestricted operating funds to support our work.

As many of you know, we have a treasure trove of artists’ prints from our annual Phantom Ball fundraiser that reflect the rich history of Los Angeles contemporary art. To support this emergency campaign, we’re digging into our archive that includes distinguished work from John Baldessari to Charles Gaines and beyond. We’re asking our supporters to make a donation today to support our continued work. For those who make a gift of $250 or above, we would like to give special access to our print archive based on your level of giving:

$250 donation will get you a 25% discount code to purchase a print from our print archive

$1,000 gift* and you can choose one print from our archive

$5,000 gift* we will send you one signed Catherine Opie print of a portrait of our office that is not currently for sale (very limited supplies)

$10,000 gift* we will send you one signed Catherine Opie artist proof of a portrait of our office that is not currently for sale (very limited supplies)

If you are interested in purchasing any print from a sold out edition, please contact us directly. 

Side Street Projects continues to make a positive impact on arts and culture in the City of Pasadena and beyond. Your support today will help stabilize our financial position, secure safer facilities for our team, and ensure that our woodworking bus can travel to serve students who need it most. Please consider making a tax-deductible* donation now.

Thank you in advance for anything you can do to support Side Street Projects at this critical time.

With gratitude,

Emily Hopkins

Executive Director

*The value of the print is not tax-deductible.  Please consult a tax professional for advice

Or mail a check to P.O. Box 90432 Pasadena, CA 91109

You can also donate through the phone by calling (626) 798-7774 or mailing a check to:

PO Box 90432 Pasadena, CA 91109