Be A Part of Our Thriving
Established to steward the property at 130 Pine Street in Florence, MA - a historic gathering place founded by abolitionists who championed anti-slavery, gender equity, and religious tolerance - we carry these values forward into the 21st century. We are mycelium of multidisciplinary mutual aid, reimagining what a sacred space can be when it centers artistic practice and resources the creative ecosystem.
You can find information about current projects and ways to support our work below.
Houses of worship have long been exempt from fire suppression requirements. However, our present multi-faceted use as an arts center necessitates the installation of automatic sprinklers throughout the building. We have completed an engineering study to design the system and installation is underway - thanks in part to ARPA funding from the City of Northampton, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Mass Cultural Council, and generous donations from you, our community. The next step is to connect to the city water supply, as our current infrastructure (which is very old, "historic" if we're being polite) does not support the this expanded use. In Spring 2026, we hope to excavate a portion of the parking lot in order to trench a new line making the system fully operational.
Thanks to a generous Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant, we have been able to replace our outdated security and fire detection systems throughout the building.
Modern ADA compliant, centrally located, single stall restrooms have been on our renovation list since we opened. With matching funds from the Mass Cultural Council, we look forward embarking on this essential building upgrade in 2026. New bathrooms will provide more capacity, improved privacy, accessibility, and an overall better experience for patrons. Don't think plumbing can be sexy? Just wait! We're approaching this project as a design challenge.
MAKE A BEQUEST OR ESTATE PLAN GIFT
Through planned giving, you can support our ongoing work - building organizational capacity (that's the fabulous humans who make it all happen), building artist capacity (we work with artists from across our region and around the globe), and ensuring that this special place (both the building and its grounds) will endure for the next 160 years and beyond.
DESIGNATING BOMBYX CENTER FOR ARTS & EQUITY FOR ESTATE PLANNING
You can make Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity one of the designees in your will or estate, as the direct beneficiary of assets, a portion or percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other obligations have been met. We recommend that you consult with your attorney and/or financial advisor to discuss your options.
BEQUEATHING REAL ESTATE TO BOMBYX CENTER FOR ARTS & EQUITY
Real estate can have a significant impact beyond our lifetime, providing sustaining support for the core mission at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity. Additionally, there may be considerable tax benefits to this giving option. Your lawyer or estate planner can help explain the advantages of this long-term giving strategy.
DESIGNATING BOMBYX CENTER FOR ARTS & EQUITY AS LIFE INSURANCE BENEFICIARY
Your HR manager or administrator of your life insurance policy can help you designate Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity as a beneficiary on your life insurance policy.
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE
DONATE A VEHICLE
Turn your car, truck, recreational vehicle, boat, airplane or property into a tax deduction through Donate for Charity and support Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity at the same time! Click here to begin.
MAKE A QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION (QCD)
If you are 70 ½ or older, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can satisfy the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA while reducing your taxable income. Contact cassandra@bombyx.live to learn more about QCDs and other ways you can make a gift and save on taxes. Note that although we know a lot about fundraising, we are not tax experts. We recommend seeking the advice of your tax accountant or financial advisor whenever making financial planning decisions.
DONATE SECURITIES
We also accept tax deductible stock donations through our partner StockDonator. By donating stock that has appreciated for more than a year, you are actually giving us up to 20 percent more than if you sold the stock and then made a cash donation at no extra cost to you. We get the full value of the stock and you avoid paying capital gains tax on the stock.
LEGAL NAME AND TAX ID NUMBER
Our legal name is Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity and our organization’s Tax ID: 873501029
CONTACT US
For more information on planned giving and to request sample bequest language, please contact cassandra@bombyx.live
