USITT > Join/Support > Development

Development & Planned Giving

In anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2010, USITT is conducting a special development campaign and everyone in the performing arts and entertainment industry is invited to participate.

Help USITT "honor our past" and "secure our future" by making a tax-deductible donation to your choice of funds: Edward F. Kook Fund, New Century Fund, Samuel H. Scripps International Fund, or the USITT Fund

USITT offers a variety of ways to donate:

On-line
Complete our secure on-line contribution form
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted.

By Phone (credit card payments only)
Call us at 800-938-7488, ext 102 and we will accept your gift over the phone.

By mail or fax:
Download a contribution form (PDF) and return it to the USITT office by mail or fax. Only credit card payments may be faxed. Check or credit card payments may be mailed. Checks should be drawn on a US bank and made payable to USITT in US funds.

USITT acknowledges its many supporters by name and fund-designation on the Honor Roll of Giving. Gifts up to $5,000 are recognized in the Membership Directory & Resource Guide each year while gifts over $5,000 are recognized permanently on the web site and in the Directory.

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Giving to a Fund

Help USITT fund research projects, special exhibitions, awards, fellowships, and more by making a tax-deductible donation to one of the following funds.

Edward F. Kook Fund
Edward F. Kook was a founder of the famous Century Lighting Company, a past USITT President, and a long-time champion of theatre design and lighting technology. The Kook fund is the primary source of support for the research and development activities of USITT members. Over the years this fund has provided tens of thousands of dollars for grants and fellowships.

New Century Fund
The Fellows of USITT established this fund in 1993 for donations to foster special projects, awards, and scholarships in support of young professionals. Specific projects supported by this fund include: Student Conference Support (complimentary full-conference registrations for select student members) and the Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts. Annual gifts not designated for a specific award are allocated so that 75% is used for direct support of students in the following year. The remaining 25% is invested to build the fund for support of students in the future.

Samuel H. Scripps International Fund
USITT is active in the world theatre community, in part through its involvement with OISTAT, the International Organization of Scenographers, Theatre Architects, and Technicians. In addition to sending representatives to participate in meetings around the world, USITT has joined with OISTAT for numerous special gatherings and exhibitions such as the inaugural World Stage Design exhibition in 2005. Gifts made to this fund are used to build the principal, with the interest earned dedicated to supporting a variety of activities, including the Prague Quadrennial (PQ) and travel grants to USITT members and students.

USITT Fund
The USITT Fund, which is permanently restricted, is currently accepting contributions to build principal, with interest earned dedicated to supporting future USITT projects. The fund was established by gifts specifically recognizing the Institute's 50th Anniversary.

Other Opportunities

Named-Gifts
A named-gift may be used to create a fund to honor the name or names placed on it. Establishing a fund for institute operations, international activities, student scholarships, special publications or events, or special projects are among the many possibilities for a named gift. Contributions must meet certain requirements to qualify for a Named-Gift.

Sponsorships
The Annual Conference & Stage Expo provides numerous opportunities for companies, universities, colleges, and organizations to sponsor receptions, exhibitions, publications, or events. Members provide financial and in-kind support for Tech Expo, Opening Night, Tech Olympics, Design Expo, and more.

Planned Giving

Planned Giving offers donors the opportunity to make a charitable donation to one or more USITT programs or activities according to a pre-established plan. Donors have the satisfaction of knowing their donation will be used for the purpose designated and that the Institute will be assisted further in the fulfillment of its mission. Successfully matching donor interests and USITT needs is the heart of our Planned Giving program.

Here are some of the ways you can give to USITT:

• Cash: Gifts of cash are always welcome and can be applied to the fund of the donor's choice.
• Insurance Policies: USITT can be named as one of, or the sole beneficiary of, the proceeds of a life insurance policy. The funds may be distributed to one of our existing programs or USITT can identify other needs that could be met by the donation. Donors may also purchase policies that designate USITT as the owner and beneficiary.
• Bequests: A bequest in a will may name USITT as a beneficiary to receive cash, stock, bonds, personal property, real estate or other valuables. Depending on the terms of the agreement, these donations may be either sold or invested to support a specific program or activity.

As USITT is largely a volunteer organization with a small administrative support staff, we cannot enter into some of the more complex planned arrangements like universities, performing arts centers, or museums. Our aim is to minimize the overhead costs of the program so the maximum amount of your donation goes toward supporting your area of interest.

USITT is a not-for-profit corporation organized under Section 11, Article 2 of the Membership Corporation Law of the New York Statutes and is exempt from federal income tax under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to USITT are deductible by donors as provided in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donors are strongly advised to consult with a financial advisor to insure their plans do not incur any tax liabilities.

For additional information, please contact Michelle L. Smith, Membership & Ad Sales Manager, at the USITT office.