Art/Design Non-Profits in Los Angeles Area Accepting Donations?

December 29, 2021 11:16 AM

A friend of mine has some valuable art pieces and furniture that he would like to donate to a non-profit for a tax write-off. One piece's estimated worth is $6,000. Another is $4,000. Goodwill isn't a good home for them. What non-profit options would he have in the Los Angeles area who are art/design oriented/supporting.
posted by goalyeehah to Media & Arts (7 answers total)

Is there a reason to do this rather than selling them and donating the money?
posted by decathecting at 11:26 AM on December 29, 2021 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: My friend is 88 yo. Does not want to spend the time and effort required to do such.

Would also like to get this done by December 31
posted by goalyeehah at 11:46 AM on December 29, 2021

If they are Victorian or early 20th century pieces, Heritage Square might be an option.
posted by Scram at 12:02 PM on December 29, 2021

I think the most impactful donations are going to a little time to set up - it's already Wednesday afternoon and the donation needs to be made in the next three days in the face of holiday closures - vacations - COVID limitations.

If he really wants to do it this year, I would look at a high end resale shop located in an upscale neighborhood. Ideally they would be willing to accept donations during store hours although they may not be interested in art work or bulky furniture.

If you have more time, I would look for an arts organization that does a fund-raising auction - that will probably get best value for the donation but they may not want the items until just before the event if they don't have any room to store it. Here are some ideas.

Also, since the donor seems to be motivated by the tax deduction, be aware that the IRS requires a qualified written appraisal from a qualified appraiser to take the deduction.
posted by metahawk at 12:36 PM on December 29, 2021 [5 favorites]

My cousin, a retired Long Beach art teacher, suggests the silent auction of the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions in Hollywood or The Neutra VDL Studio and Residences (contact Dulcie Stein). Others suggest the Advocate & Gochis Galleries of the L.A. LGBT Center, the GLAAD L.A. silent auction, and the Craft Contemporary.
posted by jocelmeow at 2:29 PM on December 29, 2021 [2 favorites]

Large institutions that get large cash gifts, such as colleges and universities and hospitals, have staff just for that purpose. You can call them up, and see if they are interested. With luck, you'll find one that going to have a sale of similar donations.
posted by SemiSalt at 6:21 PM on December 29, 2021 [1 favorite]

I think this is going to be REALLY tough to do in two days (though I hope you were able to find someone today!) If you haven't, though, and you're looking at next year, you may want to call a couple of local art dealers next week and see if any of them will take it on consignment. If the works are actually as valuable as you think, it should be minimal work for you and your friend, and maximize the value of the gift to a cause they actually care about.
posted by decathecting at 6:41 PM on December 30, 2021