Non profit theater organizations depend heavily on fundraising.
Nonprofit theaters face the challenge of finding enough funding to meet operational costs. A nonprofit theater supplements its operations by soliciting donations from local individuals, businesses, theater patrons and private foundations. There are a variety of strategies for providing perspective theater financiers with an ongoing sense of ownership in the theater. These strategies are designed to secure both a short term financial contribution and long term support base for the nonprofit.
Business Sponsorships
Local businesses, specifically corporations, present nonprofit theaters with a lucrative fundraising opportunity. Many businesses obtain a more favorable tax status, earn goodwill within the community and demonstrate a commitment to local culture through donations to nonprofits. For example, business sponsorships provide 5 percent of the Ambler Theatre's annual operating budget.
Business sponsorships should be incentivized through the award of perks and benefits. Business sponsorship packages can be tiered to proportionately reward businesses making the greatest investment. Sponsoring entities should be acknowledged on theater printed promotional materials, in theater programs and recognized in the organization's radio and television media. Sponsoring businesses contributing at the highest tier could even be rewarded with preferred VIP seating at theater performances.
Individual Sponsorships
At least once each year a membership drive must be conducted to enroll individual sponsors in an annual sponsorship program. Individual sponsorships should also be tiered. Reward high level contributors with the status of honorary producer. Allow them to express their preference for specific future theater productions. This provides a sense of ownership and encourages future large contributions.
Individual contributors could receive the temporary ability to place a personal message on the theater marquee. This message allows an individual to wish a family member a happy birthday or surprise someone with a special message.
Lower tier contributors should receive promotional items such as shirts, coffee cups and other items prominently featuring the theater's logo and production schedule. Contributors will show-off these items. This free advertising will travel by word-of-mouth, promote the theater's productions and increases the likelihood of new contributors during the next year's membership drive.
Social Media Fundraising
Social media and the Internet have opened a new forum for grassroots fundraising. A strong social media presence increases the chance that news of each new production will go viral. This energy should be captured for fundraising purposes. Social media fans and followers must have clear and easy access to the theater's fundraising website.
Private Foundation Grants
A member of the theater's non-profit ought to be specifically assigned with the task of researching and applying for private foundation grants. This person will become an expert on the grant application process. These grants could be the key to filling a financial shortfall if local-level contributions do not cover the theater's operational cost.
Support Groups
Nonprofit theaters are eligible for funding from support groups. For instance, the Texas Nonprofit Theatre foundation provides support to Texas theater groups.
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