East Lansing resident Susan Woods has been fundraising for the past 13 years, all for an event that is held only once a year. Woods, the director and founder of the East Lansing Film Festival, spends all year trying to scrape together enough money to hold the weeklong film festival, which will be held from Nov. 10 to 18 in 2010.
“Fundraising isn’t fun — it’s hard work and it can be very disappointing. You can get a lot of nos,” Woods said. “Not to mention, having to fill the gap that grants used to cover for things in the arts. In the beginning, I was getting a grant for $22,000. Last year, I got one for $6,900.”
Woods said in addition to working to obtain grants, she looks to local corporations, revenue from film screenings, a film contest and various events throughout the year, such as a rummage sale and charity poker.
Woods said although the city of East Lansing, MSU and the community all are very supportive of the film festival and film society and give as much as they can, fundraising in the Lansing area still is difficult with its lack of corporations.
“There are different organizations and corporations that support the arts, and here, they’re just trying to support feeding kids,” Woods said. “Instead of getting large corporations that can donate large amounts, you have to go and get little bits and it’s a lot of work for the amount of money.”
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