At Charitable Artists, we believe that creativity is a powerful force for connection, advocacy, and change. Our mission, vision, and values reflect not just what we do—but who we are: a community of artists, supporters, and 501(c)(3) partners working together with respect, sustainability, and shared impact at the heart of every collaboration.
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Charitable Artists uplifts creative voices and strengthens communities through purpose-driven fundraising. We champion respect for artistic labor, sustainable giving models, and shared impact between artists and nonprofit partners—ensuring that every collaboration honors both creativity and cause.
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We envision a world where artists are recognized as changemakers, nonprofits thrive through creative partnerships, and fundraising is rooted in respect, sustainability, and shared impact. Charitable Artists celebrates art in all its forms—not just what’s beautiful, but what’s brave, honest, and transformative. We are a movement of makers, advocates, and dreamers using creativity to build connection and spark change.
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1. Respect for Artistic Labor
We honor the time, talent, and emotional investment artists bring to their work. Fair compensation and thoughtful collaboration are non-negotiable.
2. Shared Impact
We believe in mutual benefit—where artists, charities, and communities all thrive through creative fundraising. Every partnership is built on transparency, trust, and aligned purpose.
3. Sustainability
We design events and models that are financially, emotionally, and logistically sustainable—for artists, organizers, and nonprofit partners alike.
4. Creative Integrity
We celebrate art in all its forms—not just what’s beautiful, but what’s bold, honest, and transformative. Artists are free to express their truth.
5. Accessibility & Inclusion
We strive to make participation easy, equitable, and welcoming—whether you’re an emerging artist, a small nonprofit, or a first-time bidder.
6. Community Connection
We foster joyful, values-driven relationships that go beyond transactions. Every fundraiser is a chance to build bridges through creativity.
Kindness Matters. I’ve been on ALL sides of a charity auction…an excited (and sometimes overly exuberant) bidder, the auction organizer, a donating artist. There’s so much generosity shared within the scope of a philanthropic event.
Over the past 4 years, I've been cultivating relationships in the art industry. I keep hearing: “I wish I could make money on my artwork 'donations' to charity auctions.” Don’t get me wrong, we genuinely want to help nonprofits. Artists CARE deeply. However, we tend to be told that we’ll “get visibility from the auction” or “that it’ll help our career” or the elusive, “the bidder who didn’t win your artwork will seek you out and buy a different piece.” We need to be honest. We need to be transparent.
For an artist trying to make a living, the struggle is real. Now more than ever, finding additional revenue streams is essential. Charities are also in need of additional streams of funds that think outside the box.
So, I put my thinking cap on and came up with Charitable Artists — a business that creates a win-win for charities to raise funds and for artists to make money.
~ Melody
How Charitable Artists started
Create with purpose.
Fundraise with integrity.
Founder, Melody Maleitzke, Washi Tape Artist, holding her, “Extend Me Your Cherry Branch” artwork at her Washi Tape Workshop at Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, WA
