About Dots
Dots basics
What is Dots?
Dots is an interactive, lightweight fundraising tool for arts ensembles. Each Dots campaign is a map of instruments, and donors can choose which dots to sponsor. There’s also a special red “donate any amount” dot. (More on that below.)
Who is Dots for?
Anyone can use Dots, but it is designed to be an easy-to-manage fundraising tool for arts ensembles that do not have experience with fundraising. Dots is ideal for arts ensembles – orchestras, chamber orchestras, and choral groups.
Who made Dots?
Dots was created by the Live Music Project, a Seattle-based non-profit organization dedicated to building audience and community around live classical music performances.
Is there a demo?
Yep! There's an orchestra demo and a chamber demo. Check them out!
Donating
Where does my money go?
We’ve designed Dots as a no-risk fundraising tool.
- Organizations keep 90% of what you donate.
- 7% goes toward supporting Dots and other services that Live Music Project provides to the artist and audience community.
- The final 2.9% + $0.30 covers transaction costs for our payment processor, Stripe, who makes sure that all transactions are handled in a way that is safe and secure.
There is no setup fee, and you organizations will receive your donation whether or not they reach their goal.
Can I donate anonymously?
Yes, you can! When you submit your donation, un-check the option to “Show my name in the list of donors.” Your name will not appear on the campaign page.
What are those red dots about?
The red dots are choose-your-own-adventure dots. While all the other dots have a fixed donation amount, you can sponsor red dots for any amount, large or small, starting with the minimum amount set by the organization.
Who should I contact if I have questions?
- Questions about Dots: Contact us! We’re at dots@livemusicproject.org
- Questions about the organization you’re donating to: Please reach out to them directly. They’re the experts about the work they’re doing. You’ll find their email address at the bottom of their campaign page.
Fundraising
Dots is really cute! Can I have a Dots?
Yes :) Here’s how to set up a campaign!
How much money can I raise on Dots?
It’s up to you. Dots is very flexible and it’s designed to grow or shrink depending on the size of your organization, your fundraising goal, and the amount you’re comfortable asking any one individual to contribute. Here are some things that affect the capacity of a campaign:
- The number of dots you choose to have on your dot map
- The fixed donation amount that you set per dot
- The number of people who donate through the “donate any amount” dot
If I don’t reach my goal, will I still receive the money?
Yes. Payouts happen along the way, whether or not you reach your goal.
How much does Dots cost?
We’ve designed Dots as a no-risk fundraising tool.
- You keep 90% of what you raise.
- 7% goes toward supporting Dots and other services that Live Music Project provides to the artist and audience community.
- The final 2.9% + $0.30 covers transaction costs for our payment processor, Stripe, who makes sure that all transactions are handled in a way that is safe and secure.
There is no setup fee, and you receive the donations along the way, whether or not you reach your goal.
We hope you have fun with Dots!