Make a Donation. San Diego Watercolor Society

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

Support the 46th annual International Exhibition

SDWS volunteers have been busy preparing for the San Diego Watercolor Society’s 46^th International Exhibition to be held during the month of October 2026. Ana Laura Salazar, SDWS is selecting 105 paintings from some of the best watermedia artists in the world. Typically, we receive 600-800 entries from 20+ countries and 30+ states.

100% of the artist awards for the International Exhibition are funded through donations.

Please consider donating to this year’s show to help recognize the exceptional artists whose paintings will be exhibited. Everyone who contributes to an award will be acknowledged in the exhibition catalog. There are various ways to donate, and any amount will be very much appreciated.

You can present an award in your name:

$1,000 Silver Star Award named for the donor
$500 Award named for the donor

You can contribute to an existing group award by donating any amount to one of the following:

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

You can create a New Group Award to which each group member can donate smaller amounts that will total at least $500.

If you’re not part of a group but would like to contribute, you can donate any amount to:

Watermedia Enthusiasts Award

Please send your gift by July 24, 2026.

Donate online by selecting the desired fund in the drop-down. Use the text box to enter the desired award name for new individual or group named awards.

Or print the Donations Form and mail a donation.

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 2025'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.)

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.