1.      How will my donation be recognized?

Donations made before April 1, 2010, will be recognized on the Pioneer Donor Wall as follows:

o   $50 ~ an individual or family name, e.g. John Smith or Famille John Smith Family

o   $100 ~ a couple or siblings, e.g. Jane and John Smith or Jane and Janet Smith

o   $100 ~ a non-profit organization , e.g. Jane Smith Choir

o   $250 ~ a business, e.g. John Smith Computers

o   $500 or $750 ~ a seat plaque and name on Pioneer Donor Wall

o   Income tax receipts will be issued for all donations of $20 or more.

The Pioneer Donor Wall will be unveiled on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 to recognize all those who have donated $50 or more to the ARTicipate Endowment Fund before April 1, 2010. This will be a permanent recognition of donors support. All donors will be invited to the unveiling and reception. 

All donors of $2,500 or more will appear on a Permanent Donor Wall. After April 1, 2010, any donations over $50 will appear on an Annual Donor Wall. However, donations are cumulative and donors will become part of the Permanent Donor Wall once they have reached the $2,500 level.

2.      Can I spread my donation out over the year or several months through automatic withdrawal or post-dated cheques? If so, is there a minimum donation for this service?

Donations of at least $20 per transaction can be made over an extended period of time. Recognition will be at the cumulated amount as of December 31^st of each year. 

3. If I donate this year, will I automatically be asked to donate next year?

Unless otherwise specified, all donors will annually receive donor information and invitations to related events. An Annual Donor Program will be put into place and donors will be encouraged to continue their support on an annual basis.   AOE Arts Council and the ARTicipate Campaign will not share information about donors with any other organization.

 4.  How will local businesses and community organizations benefit from a donation to the ARTicipate Endowment Fund?

The fund will be used to support artistic activity within the Shenkman Arts Centre, resulting in increased programming, a higher quality of programming and the proliferation of an arts economy.   A strong arts sector is proven to increase market value and the attractiveness of an area, resulting in increased traffic and visibility. Public recognition of business and community leaders on the Pioneer Donor Wall will let residents know that you support the arts and recognize the contribution a vibrant arts sector makes to quality of life for residents and visitors.

5. What is being done to ensure facilities in the Shenkman Arts Centre are accessible to local artists and arts organizations? 

The City of Ottawa recognised the rates for space rental in the Shenkman Arts Centre, while competitive and based on best practices across the city, were significantly higher than the rates in the old Orléans Theatre. As a result, the city has reduced rates for 2010 and 2011 for legacy non-profit groups.   Grants from the ARTicipate Endowment Fund can also assist the arts community with access to Shenkman.