Make a Donation. San Diego Watercolor Society

THANK YOU for considering a donation to the San Diego Watercolor Society.

A gift from you can help SDWS enrich lives through experiencing watermedia painting.

The free SDWS Gallery offers monthly Member Exhibits, Special Exhibits and the Annual International Exhibition, which attracts hundreds of exceptional artists from all over the world.
Painting classes are available for elementary school children and adult painters at all skill levels.
Each week, community residents and SDWS members experience plein air painting at beautiful sites throughout San Diego County.

45th International Exhibition

SDWS volunteers are busy preparing for the 45th International Exhibition to be held during the month of October 2025. Kathleen Conover, AWS-DF, NWS-M, ISEA-NF, WHS, TWSA-MA will be selecting 105 paintings from some of the best watermedia artists in the world. We typically receive 600-800 entries from 20-25 countries and 30-35 states.

The exhibition awards are funded by donations. We invite you to help recognize the exceptional artists whose paintings will be exhibited. Donations of any amount will be much appreciated, and each donor’s name will be listed in the exhibition catalog.

Please choose the way you would like to give.

1. You can present an award in your name * by selecting:

$1,000 Silver Star Named Award
$500 Named Award

2. You can contribute any amount to an existing group award. These are aggregated to total $500+

Board of Directors Award
Past Presidents Award
Signature Members Award
MonPM Mentor Art Group Award

3. If you’re not part of a group but would like to contribute, choose the Watermedia Enthusiasts Award (donations of any amount from many donors)

4. You can create a New Group Award * to which your group members can each contribute any amount to reach a total of at least $500

* Please indicate the individual or new group name in the text box below. New groups are added to the “Fund Selection” menu to make it easier for your group members to give.

Please login or register to donate.

Or you can mail a check to:

SDWS Development
2825 Dewey Road, Studio 105
San Diego, CA 92106

Donor Recognition

1. Outstanding Annual Donations will be recognized as follows.

Connoisseurs (Gave $5,000 or more this year.)
Collectors (Gave $1,000 to $4,999 this year.)
Aficionados (Gave $500 - $999 this year.)
Enthusiasts (Gave $250 to $499 this yrar.)

View 2024's Outstanding Donors

2. Lifetime Giving: The total of an individual's donations over time will be recognized on the plaque at the SDWS Gallery entrance.

Red Diamond Circle, $35,000+
Diamond Circle, $15,000 - $34,999
Ruby Circle, $5,000 - $14,999
Emerald Circle, $1,000 - $4,999
Sapphire Circle, $500 - $999

Donations are Tax-Deductible

SDWS's status as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization means that your donation can be deducted from your income taxes. (Your tax advisor should be consulted.) SDWS Tax ID Number is 95-3153264

IRA Charitable Rollover

An IRA Rollover is not tax-deductible, but it does not count as income.

At age 70½ people with Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are required to begin taking annual minimum distributions. The law allows owners of IRAs and Roth IRAs to make tax-free gifts directly from an IRA to any qualified charity, such as the San Diego Watercolor Society (Federal Tax ID 95-3153264). The gift does not need to be claimed as income and would not be taxable, but it would count towards your annual minimum required distribution.

To make an IRA Charitable Rollover gift to SDWS

You must be age 70½ or older.
The gift cannot exceed $100,000 each year per taxpayer.
Funds must be transferred directly from your IRA or Roth IRA to SDWS (Federal Tax ID 95-3153264).
Please note that such a gift does not additionally qualify for a charitable deduction.

Any gift can be specified for either general use or for a specific purpose or program.

Please email questions and/or inquiries to our Development Director.