About Rebel Heifer
Rebel Heifer Inc is a 501(c)(3) registered public charity that uses art to raise awareness and inspire action for social causes, with a focus on the rights and wellbeing of women, children, and marginalized groups. Through advocacy, education, and creative expression, we aim to empower communities and support meaningful change.
It was founded by Sarah Gilmore – a teacher, mother, artist, and general troublemaker from Scotland.
EIN: 33-2004031.
Why was it founded?
I have always enjoyed being creative, and I’ve always been passionate about social causes – particularly those that affect women and children. I’m a former elementary school teacher (now doing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction), a mother, and about as far to the left of the political spectrum as you can get without falling off. I’m an unapologetic feminist and, coming from Scotland, I have a firm belief in socialist principles that boil down to “we should all care for one another”, “everyone has a right to live in health, safety, and peace”, and “none of should be rich while some of us are still poor.”
The current political climate in the U.S. and increasing amounts of the rest of the world is unfortunately not aligned with these values, and many vulnerable and marginalized people are at enormous risk. I founded Rebel Heifer Inc as a way to try to advocate for change, draw attention to causes I believe in, and use the art I love to make to support causes that need our help and awareness more than ever,
Athena Rising, ink, watercolor, and gold leaf on canvas, 16 x 20”, framed
(For sale for $175, and 50% of proceeds will be donated to Sandy Hook Promise)
What does Rebel Heifer do?
Through Rebel Heifer I create artwork with the aim of prompting conversation and raising awareness about critical social issues, and raising money to donate to charities doing crucial local and national work to address issues that affect us all, but especially the most vulnerable in our society. These include gun control and child gun deaths, attacks on women’s reproductive rights, maternal health and support particularly for Black and Indigenous people, LGBTQ+ rights, detained and separated migrant families, women’s rights, environmental protection and more.
At least 20% of the price of every piece of art that I sell is donated directly to organizations working to support those causes and protect the rights and wellbeing of people in need. The charities vary depending on the piece and its meaning; for example, the Athena Rising design featured in this painting speaks to the need for wisdom, justice, and protection in ending child gun deaths in the U.S. through commonsense gun reform, and supports Sandy Hook Promise. In general, local sales are used to support local charities, while those from further afield support national or even international causes. Because Rebel Heifer is a nonprofit, the remainder has to be used to support Rebel Heifer’s mission, largely by paying for the materials necessary to create the artwork!