“Since 1981, the Arts Loan Fund (ALF) has loaned more than $36 million to more than 200 Bay Area arts organizations. ALF loans have meant the difference between paying artists and cutting staff, between keeping teaching artists in classrooms and eliminating programs while waiting for school contracts to clear, and more. When cash is tight, small- and mid-sized arts organizations can stay focused on their creative missions – and avoid needing emergency appeals or jeopardizing fiscal responsibilities. Our local arts and culture organizations employ artists, teach children, create rooted neighborhoods, and draw people into community. If they falter, the loss reaches well beyond the stage or the gallery. ALF is a model of the philanthropic community working together to support the shared goal of sustaining the arts.”