A crowdfunding campaign called #TheFirstLast put forth by the Advancing Women Artists Foundation (AWA) ran from March 1 to April 16, 2017, to raise $65,000 for the task—and succeeded. The restoration will be carried out in the year to come and be installed in the expanding museum of Santa Maria Novella in April 2018.

The campaign was punctuated by numerous events, including an invite-only presentation at the Antico Refettorio of Santa Maria Novella, a visit for press and bloggers to the painting at the restoration studio, the opening of the monographic exhibition at the Uffizi Galleries dedicated to Nelli and a talk by female researchers about women artists at Il Palmerino. These events represent a local element of how the world came together around Nelli online, around the world.

Numerous local businesses contributed to the success of this crowdfunding, which offered rewards in exchange for donations. The Florentine, as media partner, also made PDF subscriptions to the newspaper available as a reward. Artisan perfumerie Aquaflor developed a signature scent, “Invisible,” available in exclusive pre-order. Hotel Savoy, a Rocco Forte hotel, offered a two-night stay and dinner at their Irene restaurant. Nerdi Orafo Firenze developed a unique pendant representing women artists and restoration school Palazzo Spinelli created a tour for supporters. The cultural association at Il Palmerino gave proceeds from their spring events to the restoration.