We hear it every day, "I love Rural Intelligence." And though we never tire of it, lately we find ourselves wondering, how can we turn all that good will into something more concrete, something that benefits both Rural Intelligence and the not-for-profits that play such a key role in our mission? RI has covered over 200 parties since we went live less than 3 years ago, virtually all of them benefits for not-for-profits. Why? Because these museums, music ensembles, theatre companies, performance venues, historic sites, arts- and farm-support organizations are the very lifeblood of our region, not only providing it with quality, beauty, and entertainment, but also with a sense of community and shared purpose that shines through every party photograph we take. These institutions value our support, especially as we also alert our readers to their upcoming programs and write about those events in a way that fully conveys what makes them so special. They have found us to be an effective means of growing their audience, and because we uniquely combine low rates and a broad reach, many of these institutions have made buying ad space on Rural Intelligence an important part of their marketing strategy. However, in these economically challenged times, it becomes increasingly difficult for not-for-profits to part with those marketing dollars. Hence their struggle becomes our own. So, after bouncing this idea off several not-for-profits and getting a big thumbs up, here's what we propose: We are asking those of you who love Rural Intelligence to express it by writing yet another check to your favorite not-for-profit; this time targeting those dollars for the purchase of advertising on Rural Intelligence. Everybody wins. You help the not-for-profit by freeing up some of their marketing money to spend on something equally vital. You help Rural Intelligence continue to give you the kind of information you have come to rely upon. And you help yourself by keeping alive both RI and one of the many not-for-profits that contribute so mightily to your quality of life. After all, isn't it thanks to them that we all feel as if we live in the best of all possible places in an otherwise rather impossible world? Rural Intelligence ads range in price from $25/month to $500/month with longevity discounts of up to 20%. For details, please see our How to Advertise page or write to Lisa Green at {encode="advertising@ruralintelligence.com" title="advertising@ruralintelligence.com"}. You have until January 31, 2011 for your donation to qualify as a 2010 charitable contribution. The Rural Intelligence Wish List Some of the following dot.orgs are current or recent advertisers; others are still just wishful thinking on our part. Please specify that your donation is targeted for advertising on Rural Intelligence.com. Perhaps the most foolproof way to accomplish this is to write a check and send it and a note via snail mail to the institution of your choice. Aston Magna Foundation for Music & Humanities Bardavon TheaterBarrington Stage CompanyBerkshire Bach SocietyThe Berkshire Botanical GardenBerkshire International Film FestivalBerkshire GrownThe Berkshire MuseumThe Berkshire Theatre FestivalThe Sterling and Francine Clark Institute of ArtClermont State Historic SiteClose Encounters with MusicColumbia County BountyColumbia Festival OrchestraThe Colonial TheatreCunneen-Hackett Arts CenterThe Diamond Opera TheaterFilmColumbiaThe Fisher Center at BardThe Frelinghuysen-Morris Studio and HouseGhent PlayhouseThe Hudson Opera HouseIS 183 Art School of the BerkshiresJacob's PillowKaatsbaan International Dance CenterThe Mahaiwe Center for the Performing ArtsMASS MoCAThe Millay Colony for the ArtsThe Mills MansionThe MountMusic & MoreThe Norman Rockwell MuseumMusic MountainOlana State Historic SiteOmi International Art CenterPerformance Space for the 21st CenturyThe Rhinebeck Center for the Performing ArtsShakespeare & CompanyThe Spencertown AcademyStageworks HudsonTanglewoodTannery Ponds ConcertsThomaston Opera HouseTime & Space LimitedVentfort Hall: The Museum of the Gilded AgeWalking the Dog TheatreWilderstein Historic SiteThe Williams College Museum of ArtWilliamstown Film FestivalWilliamtown Theatre Festival
