MY Community Darkroom Needs Donations

DF · Nov 20, 2019

Where could I have make it known, that my not-for-profit community darkroom needs all kinds of supplies/equipment - enlargers - easels - beakers - negative carriers - just about ANYTHING that makes up a darkroom.
Any suggestions - ideas where to start....???
Any leads GREATLY appreciated
Thank You

Vaughn · Nov 20, 2019

Location?

BobD · Nov 20, 2019

School photo departments, craigslist, NextDoor.com

Colin Corneau · Nov 20, 2019

Vaughn said:
Location?

Yes, where exactly are you?

Vaughn · Nov 20, 2019

You might get the word out locally about what you are doing. Perhaps you can connect local photographers with equipment, but no place to use it, with your facility. Give them a chunk of time if they donate equipment so that they can come in and use it.

mgb74 · Nov 22, 2019

My thoughts:

Start with a simple static website the describes what the darkroom is or what you plan it to be, how it will be used, who it's targeted to, and the benefits it will provide. Include photos of your factility or even your empty facility. You can include links to this site on any "wanted" postings you create.
Turn that into a flyer you can post at any camera stores in your area. Especially the ones that are digitally oriented since you're targeting those who may have given up darkroom work.
Post "wanted" ads on local Craigslist and Facebook.
Post "wanted" posted on sites like this one; letting people know if you're willing to pay shipping.

Luckless · Nov 22, 2019

Don't forget to engage with other non-photography related arts groups.

I sometimes carry an old camera with me when dropping into some of the local art supply stores [who don't deal in anything to do with photography beyond frames] and the camera always gets a good amount of attention.

Remember, "Photography is dead" - There are lots of people out there who have a love and interest in photography, but are not actively involved at this time for any number of reasons. And don't forget that a big reason is the impression that film photography is basically dead... Don't ignore the support they can offer or skip an opportunity to convert them from a passive to active supporter!

DREW WILEY · Nov 22, 2019

START by telling us where the heck your are. It's a lot easier to acquire stuff that can be locally picked up rather than expecting someone to crate and ship it for free! It's also important to spell out your specific nonprofit project, so people can verify it's legitimacy, and if donations are eligible for a tax write-off.

AndyH · Nov 23, 2019

Please let me know if you are within driving distance of southern New Hampshire / Vermont...

DF · Nov 24, 2019

CHICAGO - CHICAGO COMMUNITY DARKROOM
'Appreciate the interest fellow photrio's

DF · Nov 24, 2019

DREW WILEY said:
START by telling us where the heck your are. It's a lot easier to acquire stuff that can be locally picked up rather than expecting someone to crate and ship it for free! It's also important to spell out your specific nonprofit project, so people can verify it's legitimacy, and if donations are eligible for a tax write-off.

Chicago - Chicago Community Darkroom

Neal · Nov 25, 2019

Hi DF, I am a member and will send you a PM.

removed account4 · Nov 25, 2019

if there is a local photo store/pro shop repair place
ask and then put a note up. and maybe the art institute of chicago
might have a place where locals can put up want-ads ..
art stores like michaels, and whole foods too.
good luck !

tezzasmall · Nov 25, 2019

Having just looked at their website, it sounds like a very good place to go to do any film developing and printing, especially if you don't have your own facilities.

I am a little confused though, as to the request for just about anything, as they do seem to have some top quality gear already?

https://www.chicagocommunitydarkroom.org/equipment

It's just that the requests make it sound like some small concern who have basically nothing at all; or am I misreading the request?...

Terry S

Kino · Nov 25, 2019

If you are a true non-profit organization, then you might be able to apply for US Government Surplus equipment and supplies:

https://www.gsa.gov/buying-selling/...ic-orgs/eligible-organizations-and-activities

Check with your state and local governments for their requirements and you might be able to get surplus darkroom equipment from local surplus sales.

RalphLambrecht · Nov 25, 2019

DF said:
Where could I have make it known, that my not-for-profit community darkroom needs all kinds of supplies/equipment - enlargers - easels - beakers - negative carriers - just about ANYTHING that makes up a darkroom.
Any suggestions - ideas where to start....???
Any leads GREATLY appreciated
Thank You

who pays for shipping?

jvo · Dec 4, 2019

the OP is in the community darkroom a lot, doesn't spend much time online....

Kino · Dec 4, 2019

Kind of hard to take their plea seriously.

Neal · Dec 5, 2019

It should be noted that the OP asked for how to go about getting things, not for donations.

Full disclosure. I am a member of the darkroom but I have no idea who the OP is.

John Koehrer · Dec 5, 2019

"MY Community Darkroom Needs Donations"

That's the heading of the thread.

Don't know why this is in bold type, must've hit a key that causes it.
Sorry.

RalphLambrecht · Dec 6, 2019

RalphLambrecht said:
who pays for shipping?

still unanswered!

Neal · Dec 6, 2019

Dear John,

You're simply being unfair. The text clearly asks for ideas on how one might proceed. Further even the title is not a request, it is a statement.

Neal Wydra

Neal · Dec 6, 2019

Dear Ralph,

Don't send anything. Certainly not anything that is expensive to ship. There are plenty of enlargers.

Neal Wydra

Neal · Dec 6, 2019

My final notes on this: What the darkroom really needs are more local b&w photography enthusiasts to participate. The hardest part for me is to hold my tongue as they have standardized on several procedures that are different from mine. At my age that is no easy!

If anyone here is visiting Chicago, let me know and I'd be happy to show it to you.

MY Community Darkroom Needs Donations

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