Frequently Asked Questions About Giving
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Does my individual gift really make a difference?
Can I direct my gift to a particular program?
I want to make a regular donation on my credit card. How do I do that?
What about stock transfers/bequests/gifts in honor or memory?
Why should I give to TCG?
Supporting TCG is the most efficient and far-reaching way to impact the not-for-profit theatre field itself. TCG serves theatre communities that exist on the local, national and international level. Our programs seek to increase the organizational efficiency of our member theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field, and promote a larger public understanding of and appreciation for the theatre. Your contribution helps us to self-determine our programming and further our mission to strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American theatre.
Back to topWhere does my money go?
At TCG, we are proud to report that over 86% of our income goes directly to programs and services for the field. Your gift bolsters our annual fund which subsidizes a wide range of activities:
TCG Core Programs Include:
Networking & Knowledge-Building
Through convenings, training opportunities, peer-to-peer information sharing and dissemination of research, TCG harnesses the knowledge of our members for the benefit of the collective whole, providing a sense of field-wide identity.
Grantmaking Programs
Currently distributing approximately $2 million annually to the field these programs offer career development opportunities to theatre professionals, facilitate collaboration for geographically separated theatre-makers, and encourage innovation in theatre institutions. TCG utilizes a peer-panel review process in all selections, with different groups of panelists convened for each program.
Publications
For over 25 years, TCG’s award-winning book and magazine programs (AMERICAN THEATRE magazine now reaches 50+ states and 90+ countries in over 13 languages) have published the work of America’s greatest playwrights and provided the primary source of information that connects, informs, challenges and strengthens the field. As the largest independent trade publisher of dramatic literature in North America TCG’s booklist includes 11 Pulitzer Prize winners, over 250 playwrights and other theatre professionals in single volumes and anthologies, and sold over 2.5 million books. As evidence of TCG’s commitment to our authors, every play published since 1984 is still in print.
Field-Wide Leadership
TCG’s leadership role represents the theatre field within broader contexts and networks through our advocacy activities on a federal level, national audience development programs and nationwide public awareness campaigns. TCG also serves as the home to the US Center of the International Theatre Institute, connecting our constituents to the global theatre community.
Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes! Like our member theatres, TCG is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Your donation is fully tax-deductible!
Back to topDoes my individual gift really make a difference?
Yes it does, and increasingly so. Individual donors make up roughly 25% of our annual contributed income. As giving from corporations, foundations and government agencies becomes less flexible and more program-specific, we turn with greater urgency to individual supporters. Your unrestricted support allows us to set our own priorities and control our programming for the benefit of the entire theatre field.
Back to topCan I direct my gift to a particular program?
Some donors do choose to direct their individual gifts to specific programs or events, for example to support the International Theatre Institute/U.S. Center, the TCG National Conference or the Peter Zeisler Memorial Award. All these options are available as check boxes on our online giving form, or a note in the memo field of your check enclosed with your contribution is sufficient to direct your gift to a particular program. We read them, we promise! Feel free to contact Ashley Faison, Individual Giving Officer, to discuss specific areas in which you are interested.
Back to topI want to make a regular donation on my credit card. How do I do that?
Please contact any of us in the development department and we can set that up for you.
Back to topCan I give online?
Yes absolutely! Please visit our secure server at https://www.tcg.org/about/donate.cfm.
Back to topWhat about stock transfers/bequests/gifts in honor or memory?
Martha Neighbors, Director of Advancement, will be happy to work with you to ensure a smooth process.
Back to topHow can I get more involved?
Become an Individual Member of TCG:
TCG Membership
By becoming a member of TCG, you’ll receive 10 individual issues each year of American Theatre magazine and discounts to our other publications such as ArtSearch and the TCG Books list. You will also be eligible for discounted tickets to participating member theatres, and can access “members only” sections of our website. Members of the Society for the American Theatre and the National Council for American Theatre automatically receive a TCG individual membership as one of the many ways we says thanks. Multiple membership opportunities are available to meet your needs. Check out the TCG Membership page for the details. Learn more.
Join our Leadership Giving Society:
Society for the American Theatre
The Society for the American Theatre is currently seeking founding members!
SAT is a newly formed leadership giving society that provides individuals with an inside look through select services and benefits beyond TCG membership. Support from Society members ensures the excellence and availability of programs and services offered to the professional not-for-profit theatre field, while securing TCG’s legacy and vitality for decades to come. The basic equation is Engagement Tracks + Giving Circles = Come Backstage with TCG. Society for the American Theatre giving circles start at $500. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity.Learn more .
Invite your Theatre's Trustees:
A major source of support for TCG comes from member theatre trustees. You can help our efforts by encouraging your theatre’s trustees to become involved on the national level through the following TCG programs:
Trustee Leadership Network
A special membership category designed for trustees of member theatres. By working together we create a stronger and more knowledgeable community that will enrich our art form, strengthen our institutions and enhance our ongoing public education efforts on behalf of the American theatre. Trustee Leadership Network annual affiliation is $100.
National Council for the American Theatre
This prestigious body serves as a brain trust not only for TCG but for the entire American not-for-profit theatre field. The National Council has a direct impact on the design and implementation of TCG programs and services that, in turn, have a profound effect on the management and governance of America’s theatres. Members must be on the board of a TCG-member theatre, and are nominated by their home theatre. National Council members are asked to make an annual minimum contribution of $5,000. Learn more.