In the spirit of openness, I would like to tell you what is happening with SNAG. We are facing dire financial challenges due to the cumulative effect of several events along with the general state of the economy, which has lowered membership and conference attendance. The board and I are working overtime to make changes, fundraise, find a new executive director and revitalize our membership.

The board and I want SNAG to be a diverse place that welcomes all types of makers. We value all viewpoints and want more diversity. We are metalsmiths, artists, jewelers, curators, authors, patrons, vendors, students, teachers, craftspeople, and business owners. This inspiring diversity creates a healthy and vibrant organization and is what makes SNAG so special. We are all SNAG. Please continue to share your ideas and suggestions with us, and please be patient as we are doing our very best to foster a better atmosphere for you, our members.   

What happened:

1.  We incurred a sizable loss due to the low attendance at the Arizona conference.  

2.  We did not receive grants we depend on to support our programming.

3.  We changed advertising personnel at a cost to us in 2012 and 2013, but

             should have significant savings and additional revenue beginning in 2014. A

             short-term loss for substantial long-term gains.

As mentioned in the treasurer's reports earlier this year, these events negatively affected our bottom line by over $100,000.   

Here is what we have been doing to remedy the situation:

1.   Present board members donated $8,000 of their own money.

2.   Past board members and presidents donated $12,000 of their own money.

3.   We are coordinating an aggressive fundraising campaign, which includes:

a. "Big asks" with a matching gift campaign

b. Increasing and diversifying our corporate sponsorship and membership

c. A drive to increase general membership

       4.   We applied to the Windgate Charitable Foundation for an emergency grant    

             and we received $25,000 as well as a promise for another $25,000 as a

             matching grant if we can raise that same amount between 8/16/13-

             12/31/13.  

5.   We have asked our membership to donate as well, and the donations are

             pouring in! As of today, we have raised over $7,000 towards our $25,000 goal.

All of this incredible generosity makes my heart swell with joy and makes me proud to be the president of SNAG. Typically, fall has been a low-income period for SNAG, so we need to continue to bolster our efforts and if we can reach our goal, all will be well again. The fiscal changes we are making will take time to implement, so I am asking for your patience, your ideas and your support. Please make a tax-deductible donation today and show you value our incredible community and donating now will double the amount of your gift!

Warmest regards,

Renee Zettle-Sterling

President