Raising funding for historic theatre restoration requires a strong project team, a comprehensive strategy, a project budget, and a comprehensive scope. Prior to setting any fundraising goals, a sound objective must be determined. Therefore, together with the restoration team, budgets and scope must be carefully analyzed in order to understand how much money is to be raised. Once the scope and budget are determined, a fundraising objective may be set and the strategy to raise the money developed. When fundraising for theatre restoration, there are a few strategic plans to keep in mind. Fundraising monies can be raised by applying for local and federal grants as well as appealing to local and national foundations. However, community engagement is crucial to the success of the project, especially if the building intends to serve the area upon completion. Raising local interest and excitement will build momentum during the fundraising process. By emphasizing the cultural and historical significance of the theatre to potential donors and in grant or foundation applications, many theatre associations have been successful in restoring the historic glamor of the building. The following checklist will be helpful in guiding the fundraising process.
1) Develop a Comprehensive Plan
Developing a historic restoration team of combined technical skill, knowledge, and passion is crucial to the early phases of a project. Ideally, the core team that organizes the preliminary phase moves and grows throughout the project until completion, allowing for each phase of work to experience a harmonious transition. Not only should this team have expertise in theatre restoration, but also savvy financial capabilities and a comprehensive understanding of the theatre business.
State Theatre in Bay City, MI
A detailed budget outlining the costs relating to restoration, repairs, specialized labor, materials, permits, and contingencies as necessary will offer confidence in setting a fundraising goal. In order to arrive at a detailed budget, historic restoration surveys including a paint analysis, plaster survey, and/or general stability inspection may be required to confidently determine the status of the building as well as the scope of work. Restoration consultants are helpful at this stage to analyze findings. The budget, based on a detailed scope of work and design scheme including architectural drawings and specifications as necessary, creates a roadmap to address the project and fundraising objectives.
During the fundraising process, the information regarding the budget and scope will be relayed to donors or explained in grant applications. It is vital that the building is thoroughly analyzed, and this phase is highly detailed to avoid confusion with donors and avoid as many unknown expenses as possible.
2) Identify Funding Sources
Once the goals are determined, the restoration team must look to the fundraising resources. From the local community to national grants, there are many opportunities to raise money and interest for the project.
The following are a few suggestions for fundraising sources:
Grants:
The local city or town may have grants available for restoration projects. Most states have grants specifically for historic preservation projects. It would be a good idea to look into the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to find state grants for the project. Additionally, grant funding may be found with the National Park Service Grants or federal grants like the Historic Preservation Fund or the Certified Local Government (CLG) program.
Foundations:
Engaging local and national foundations by connecting with different theatre associations may help to raise funds. Know your local area and research the community for foundations that may support cultural preservation projects. Local connections may help to create a long-term community bond and relationship. National foundations focused on historic theatre restoration may also have funds allocated for projects related to your scope.
Corporate Donations:
Similar to the foundations, appealing to local businesses for donations may benefit the restoration in the short term but also create a long-term improvement of the community. The theatre restoration may bring business and life to a local downtown that has long been lacking. In approaching local businesses, they may be interested in contributing since the overall enhancement of the area will also improve their customer circulation as well. Some companies even offer matching donation programs for employee contributions, so inquire regarding corporate matching programs.
3) Community Engagement
If the historic theatre is intended to continue functioning as a public space, local interest is a very key point in the restoration of a theatre. Theatres came into popularity as the “Peoples’ Palaces”; their success, then and today, largely depends on local patronage. Creating a presence on social media to share updates and images regarding the history and restoration project will drive public investment in the project. For milestones on the project, connect with local media, including newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television, to spread the news and excitement surrounding the project. The productive efforts of the progress images are not only exciting to see but also offer a positive update for the area. Raising awareness may increase donations, but also encourage volunteers to aid in the fundraising process or even on the project.
War Memorial & Performing Arts Center in San Francisco, CA
Volunteer Recruitment: Encourage community members to volunteer for fundraising activities or restoration work. Community Forums: Host public meetings to discuss the restoration project and gather feedback from residents.
4) Fundraising Events
Finally, hosting fundraising events is an important part of the fundraising strategy. It may be helpful to host small fundraising events or town halls to discuss the restoration project. These types of meetings allow the community to become more closely involved and invested in the project.
Additionally, hosting a gala or benefit dinner may be advantageous to organize towards the end of the fundraising to close the gap on fundraising goals. These types of events may feature entertainment as a teaser trailer for the theatre shows, silent auctions, brick campaigns, or other similar type events.
Highlighting the theatre’s history, the present advantage to the local community, and recognizing donors for their support are paramount at such events. Knowing your audience is a key factor in designing the most appropriate event, where to host it, what type of entertainment to provide, and who to invite.
Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA
Just as every scope is tailored specifically for the interior, each fundraising plan takes into consideration the specific features of the building and the local area. Theatres are community-oriented, and it is vital to remember the community during the process of restoration and fundraising. Should you have further questions on how we approach the fundraising process for restoration projects, please contact us directly at the John Canning Office.
