NJArts.net attains nonprofit, 501(c)(3) status; sponsors sought

We’ve got some exciting news to share with you. NJArts.net is now, officially, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, meaning, among other things, that donations to it are now tax-deductible.

Those who wish to donate can use the yellow “Donate” button to the right, or where it says “Contribute to NJArts.net” at the bottom of the page.

We are also proud to announce that the Gia Maione Prima Foundation will become the site’s first Founding Supporter. In 2011, the Foundation was established with the assistance of Gia Maione Prima’s longtime friend and counsel, Anthony J. Sylvester. Gia Maione Prima, Louis Prima’s widow, passed away on Sept. 23, 2013, but through the dedication and continued support of Sylvester, Trustee and partner at the Florham Park law firm of Sherman Wells Sylvester and Stamelman, LLP, the Foundation continues to support the vision of both Louis and Gia Prima.

“The Foundation is proud to be a founding supporter of NJArts.net, which will provide an important media outlet for the New Jersey Arts community,” said Sylvester.

Here are the newly created sponsorship levels:

Founding Supporter: $10,000. You receive an NJArts.net article announcing your support; the opportunity to join NJArts.net’s board of advisers; an ad on the site (top position guaranteed) and in our newsletter for a year; and acknowledgement on website and at any NJArts virtual or in-person fundraising events.

Gold: $5,000. You receive the opportunity to join NJArts.net’s board of advisers; an ad on the site (second or third position guaranteed) and in our newsletter for a year; and acknowledgement on website and at any NJArts virtual or in-person fundraising events.

Silver: $2,500. You receive an ad on the site and in our newsletter for a year; and acknowledgement on website and at any NJArts virtual or in-person fundraising events.

Bronze: $500. Acknowledgement on website and at any NJArts virtual or in-person fundraising events.

NJArts.net’s page-view stats for its first six full years. 2020 stats are through Nov. 20.

It has been a trying year for us, as it has been for everybody. But we’re happy to report that NJArts.net’s viewership has actually increased, dramatically, during the year, and we will almost certainly have more than 900,000 page views this year, and could pass 1 million for the first time.

This is because, even in a pandemic, the arts have not gone away. We actually see them as more important than ever. And we’ve been as busy, this year, as ever, giving thoughtful, in-depth, independent coverage of artists and arts events that, in many cases, otherwise might be getting no media attention at all.

Activity has shifted, of course, to virtual events, online; and socially distanced events, in person. And we’ve been there to cover the transition every step of the way, with interviews, features, news stories, reviews, listings, and topical series such as Songs to See Us Through. Some of our stories explore social justice issues addressed by the artists and our coverage has helped give voice to their concerns about the pandemic, politics and other issues.

We feel strongly that there is still a need for our work in New Jersey’s arts community, and we want to be there when live events start coming back, and things get back to normal.

Yet even as our viewership has grown, our advertising revenue has taken a hit. The kind of venues and performing arts organizations that have been our bread-and-butter advertisers are generating little to no money themselves, and are simply unable to buy ads at this time.

We have never had a paywall, and have no plans to set one up.

We’re grateful to those who have already donated. But we need to generate more funds. We invite you to join our community of supporters by making a tax deductible donation today. Thank you for your support.