$30k For Charity From One Gallery? Jonathan Canlas Says It's Possible!
Not only is it possible to raise $30k for a good cause from one gallery, it’s happened. Just ask Jonathan Canlas! Jon was one of Instaproofs' first five customers in 2005, and came on as VP in 2020.
Jon is well known for his work in portraiture and philanthropy. Through print and product sales, he has generated massive revenue (like that $30k gallery) that has gone back to directly empower the people he wishes to help. From Indigenous people groups to the local football team, Jon has found a way to combine his talent and Instaproofs’ unmatched marketing tools to put much-needed funds into the hands of the folks who need resources the most.
Jon’s stories of using his camera as a tool for advocacy are relatable, though sometimes unconventional, and his passion is contagious. Fly across the ocean to get to a non-violent resistance with 24 hours notice? He’s done it. Photograph a local football team and eventually field an inquiry from HBO? He’s done that too.
We sat down with Jon to hear some of his wild stories and we learned so much: he is a natural teacher, and broke his system down into actionable steps any of us can follow.
This can be YOU! Instaproofs has proved itself to have the tools you need to maximize your income—and it certainly has the tools you need to maximize your impact. You have the talent and the access you need to change the world, to do good work from your current vantage point. We imagine you’re ready to see some change. We’re here to help.
From local fundraisers to global advocacy—and seriously anywhere in between—Instaproofs has the marketing and hosting tools you need to raise awareness, create and fulfill a project, and truly be the change you wish to see in the world.
Ready to hear from Jon himself? There’s no substitute for his words and his passion, straight from his heart. Our entire conversation lasted less than 30 minutes, and you can see the whole interview below:
JONATHAN CANLAS: FULL INTERVIEW
Short on time? Skip directly to the clip of Jon’s step-by-step process, as he describes using Instaproofs’ marketing tools to pull off a fantastic charitable campaign. View the video below:
JONATHAN CANLAS: STEP-BY-STEP FUNDRAISING
No need to take notes! We’ve done the work for you—below are the important points from Jon’s process along with a few notes. Feel free to save or print this portion to help you plan your next project!
Be The Change: Jon Canlas’ Five Steps
Running A Successful Fundraiser With Instaproofs
1. Evaluate Your Access
There's a story everywhere, but not everyone can tell every story. Ask yourself this: whose trust have you earned? In what spaces are you welcome? That's your unique access. How can you use your access to spark positive change?
Have a few ideas? Now you're on to something!
2. Shoot the Project
Each project will be unique in its timeline (One time? Ongoing?) and its demands (Travel? Time? Cost?). Whatever the circumstances, give your project full effort, as if it’s the best paying job you ever had. Do good, solid work that helps tell the story well.
3. Cull Your Photos and Upload a Gallery
In the video, Jon reminds us that only the best shots can remain, and of those, the best of the best should be displayed first. Driving sales is the main goal, so push the products that you think will sell the best. Consider adding music to your gallery as well!
4. Create an Email Campaign
Jon referenced at least one project in which he notified every single person who had ever viewed any of his galleries. Because Instaproofs automatically saves that contact information, his (and your) reach can be both quick and wide.
When you compose your emails, Jon recommends creating FOMO (fear of missing out). Make the sale only available for a limited time, or have a limited number of items for sale. That will help create a sense of urgency.
Also, be clear about the exact terms of your project. What percentage of the profits are going to charity? Which charity? Be honest and transparent.
5. Send the Money, Honey
As always, Instaproofs will automatically and directly pay you out for purchases from your storefront. You’ll need to personally make all donations as promised. Consider posting screenshots or documentation on Social Media or via email, so all involved are confident your promises were kept.
Good work is rarely easy, but with Instaproofs, you can work smarter, not harder.
We’re proud to provide you with the tools you need to make the world a better place.
How else can we help?
We LOVE to hear from our Instaproofs family.