RECIPIENT Questions MembershipAppointments Warehouse DONOR Questions Q: My organization is outside NYC, do I qualify?
A: Materials for the Arts is a program of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and can only serve organizations in the five boroughs of New York City. The only exceptions to this has been to organizations in the tri-state area that only serve New York City residents.
Q: Can day care centers apply?
A: We are supported through the NYC Departments of Cultural Affairs, Sanitation and Education. We are not funded to support day care centers, early childhood centers, or universal pre-kindergarten programs.
Q: I am affiliated with a private/religious school. Does my organization qualify for materials?
A: Private or religious schools may apply but only for ongoing art programs open to the general public.
Q: Does my fiscal sponsor need to be registered with MFTA or be in New York State?
A: No, your sponsor does not need to be registered with MFTA or be in New York State.
Q: My organization is located in NYC but we run a summer program upstate for NYC kids, do we qualify?
A: If your constituents are from NYC and you are based in NYC, your upstate summer program may qualify.
Q: I am starting an arts program, do I qualify?
A: Materials for the Arts cannot support a start-up organization or an organization that has never had an arts program before. Once you have an established arts program up and running and you meet all of our other criteria, then you can apply.
Q: How long does it take to process an application?
A: Applications can be processed as quickly as two weeks. Gathering and submitting all supplemental materials at the same time will expedite the process. Q: Do I need to make an appointment to visit the warehouse?
A: Yes, you do need an appointment to shop. Appointments can be made online by your organization's registered contacts and are available Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons. We also have one special shopping evening on the first Monday of every month.
Q: How many people can I bring with me on a shopping visit?
A: Each organization can have a total of three representatives per visit. Q: What happens if I show up two hours late for my appointment?
A: We ask that you notify us if you will be late for or need to cancel your appointment. Q: Do I need to cancel an appointment if I can’t come?
A: Yes. As soon as you know you will not be able to make your appointment you must let us know. Our shopping days are often booked to capacity and we often turn recipients away, so please be considerate when you need to cancel.
Q: Do you deliver the items that I have chosen?
A: No, we cannot deliver items, but you may tag certain items and pick them up on one of the next two shopping days so you may make proper arrangements.
Q: If I don’t have a vehicle, can I leave my items and pick them up another day?
A: If you find durable items you are unable to take with you, you may tag them and pick them up on one of the next two shopping days.
Q: How often can I make an appointment?
A: Appointments can be made as often as they are necessary. Only one appointment per organization is allowed at a time. If you try to make an appointment and someone else from your organization has already scheduled an appointment you will have to wait until after that appointment has taken place before you are able to make another.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of items I can take?
A: There is no limit to the number of items you can take. You must, however, be able to take all items with you. Only durable items may be tagged for a later pick up. Q: Are you open on the weekends or evenings?
A: We are open on select Monday evenings from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Please check the appointment schedule for availability. We are closed on weekends.
Q: Do I really have to send thank you letters to the donors?
A: Once you are registered with MFTA, the only requirement we have is that you send thank you letters to our donors. Many of our donors continue to donate because of the thank you letters they receive from our recipients. The thank you letters are also a way for recipients to promote their own organizations and market themselves to a broader audience. Q: Can you help me load up my vehicle?
A: No, we are a small staff and we are busy on shopping days. For this reason, bring helpers, make early appointments if you need extra time, and plan ahead when it comes to packing. Q: Why can’t I bring my shopping cart up through the passenger elevator?
A: The building rules require all luggage and shopping carts to enter and exit the building through the freight elevators.
Q: Can I eat and drink in the warehouse?
A: No. In order to maintain a clean and safe environment, we do not allow eating or drinking in the warehouse.
Q: If I call in advance will you set aside items for me?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot personally shop individual organizations.
Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: There is no parking in the building, but there is limited metered street parking available in the neighborhood, as well as local garages.
Q: Do you have tempera paint, watercolors, markers, video cameras and costumes?
A: As our trucks make pickups every day, and as we accept drop-off between shopping days, our inventory changes between every shopping appointment. The best advice is to have an open mind when you come to the warehouse. If you are looking for a very specific item, we recommend viewing the Direct Donations listings and using the Wishlist service we provide.
Q: Do you take everything?
A: Any immediately reusable item may be listed on our Direct Donations service. If the donation is coming to the warehouse, we accept a wide variety of items, but do not take food, clothing, beds, bedding, flats, pharmaceuticals, sheets of glass, weapons, and toxic chemicals. Please contact us before you make a drop-off donation to ensure we can accept your donation at that time. We reserve the right to refuse any item. Q: Do you pick up everything?
A: No. Due to the demand for our services, we often book our truck at least three weeks in advance. Once your donation has been reviewed by our staff, we will make a determination about arranging a pick up. We require a donation of at least 250 pounds or a value of $1000 to schedule a pick up. We also require elevator service to the ground level. If we are unable to do a pickup, please considering dropping off the donation on the designated days or using our Direct Donations service. Q: I need something picked up in two days, can you do that?
A: We ask that you contact us at least three weeks before you want us to pick up your donation. As our service is in high demand, we are rarely able to accommodate last-minute pickups. We may be able to otherwise assist you with a donation that needs immediate removal. Q: When I donate, do I get a letter for my taxes?
A: Yes. As is customary with donations made to nonprofits and government agencies, we will send you a document on official letterhead with the value and weight of your donation clearly stated for use when filing your taxes. Q: I don’t know what my donation is worth? Can you set the value for the donation?
A: We cannot legally set the value for your donations. That is the right and privilege of our donors. Q: Can I include items I didn’t discuss with you when the drivers show up?
A: Our drivers are highly trained professionals so they will always check in with the warehouse manager before accepting an item that has not been previously discussed. If there is room on the truck and a need for the item in the warehouse, we may be able to accommodate last minute additions. |
