FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will the Center continue to seek public contributions each year to sustain operations?
The model of self-sufficiency for a not-for-profit organization is to successfully operate on a balance of earned and contributed income allowing the business to deliver its mission driven components that serve the community and defines their eligibility for not-for-profit status under federal guidelines. The Center’s mission components for which we raise funds are in support of the community usage of our facility, our education and community engagement programs and our interdisciplinary performing arts cultural program. According to the most recent survey conducted by the Association for Performing Arts Presenters, performing art centers average 55% earned and 45% contributed income; the Center averages 75% earned and 25% contributed income. We anticipate continuing our balance of support along the lines of this ratio.
How do the Center’s fundraising efforts affect the fundraising of other nonprofits in our community?
There are a number of nonprofit organizations in the Fox Cities, including the Center, creating a better community for us all. The Center has a unique opportunity to enrich the quality of life by building a sense of community. The Center does this by advancing education, making a social impact, infusing economic vitality, bringing our community together, broadening cultural awareness and fostering community pride. Making a contribution to the Center – or to other nonprofits in the area – is making an investment in our community. One point of view is to look at local dollars for philanthropy as being derived from a limited source of funds; the other point of view is that local success in raising funds in support of not-for-profit organizations raises the total level of contributions from a given community. The success of the Center’s community foundation and many local not-for-profits seems to support the idea in our community that the level of local support is on the rise, growing the base of local funding.
How does the Center give back to the community?
One way the Center upholds its commitment to the community is by donating tickets to be used at community events. By donating tickets, the Center helps other organizations raise funds that support and enrich their programs. Financial assistance is also available in the form of ticket scholarships awarded to disadvantaged students, enabling them to attend a performance at the Center. The Center is also the venue of choice for other nonprofit organizations’ fundraising events, where the Center’s facility use fees are subsidized. The Center is proud to partner with and help other organizations throughout the Fox Cities.
What is the relationship between Live Nation and the Center?
The Center and Live Nation have a partnership based upon a shared risk/shared reward business model. While the specific terms of the contract cannot be disclosed, the Center is confident that the agreement is the best, most secure way to consistently present the best of Broadway to the Fox Cities. Because of Live Nation, the Center has a voice in New York working to bring the hottest shows to the Center and keeping the Center in the minds of the producers of touring productions. Judging from our success as one of the top mid-sized markets for the presentation of Broadway and landing the Wisconsin premieres of Disney’s The Lion King and Wicked for next season we are confident our partnership is one of the keys to our success.
If your question isn’t answered above, please e-mail us. We want to hear from you and would be happy to answer any questions you have regarding the Center. Thank you.
