Major Gifts and Foundation Support

There are many ways for individuals and foundations to become involved with Lincoln Center. A gift of $1,000 or more is greatly appreciated and can provide vital general operating support for Lincoln Center's full range of activities. On the other hand, many individuals and foundations want to make certain that their contributions are earmarked for performance programs of special interest to them, or for one of Lincoln Center's important educational or outreach efforts. While these contributions are usually made on an annual basis, the future of any program can be secured with an endowment gift. Support can even be directed to a specific category of performance-say dance, or early music-that Lincoln Center presents through its celebrated series, or to a special initiative-like the creation of new works or audience development-that Lincoln Center promotes. Through major gifts, there are also opportunities to commemorate an occasion or someone dear to you.

If you or an associated foundation would like more information about making a contribution in support of any of Lincoln Center's performance programs, or other programs and services, please contact Tamar Podell, Vice President, Planning and Development at 212.875.5421.

Following are some of the areas that need support, both on an annual basis, and through endowed funds:

Performance Programs
Lincoln Center presents six major live performance programs as well as an Emmy Award-winning broadcast series. The excellence of these programs is sustained by the generosity of donors who share Lincoln Center's commitment to bringing the best of the performing arts to the widest possible audience. Individuals and foundations may dedicate their support to an entire program-like the Lincoln Center Festival, or to a particular aspect of that program-such as Festival theater presentations.

Family and Children's Programs
Individuals and foundations who share Lincoln Center's commitment to bringing the highest caliber performing arts to families and children, and who value the important role that the arts can play in the life and education of young people, may consider support for one of several Lincoln Center programs that offer unique experiences for children, families and educators:

Department of Programs and Services for People with Disabilities
Lincoln Center's Department of Programs and Services for People with Disabilities (PSPD) is committed to making the performing arts accessible to everyone. Lincoln Center was the first performing arts center with a special department to better serve people with disabilities, including visitors, performers, and employees. A contribution to this department helps Lincoln Center uphold its historic commitment to accessibility for all.

PSPD provides large-type and Braille programs, sign language interpreters for tours, and sensitivity training for staff. They serve children with disabilities through their "Passport to the World of the Performing Arts" program, and arrange performances in hospitals and nursing homes through their Community Outreach Program.

Special Endowed Funds
Endowment gifts provide long-term stability and security for Lincoln Center's performance series, helping to maintain reasonable ticket prices and reducing the amount that must be raised on an annual basis. The establishment of special endowed funds will also help support Lincoln Center's ongoing efforts to meet the changing needs of artists and audiences, while sustaining the highest standards of excellence in the performing arts.

New Works Fund: Support the creation of new works, particularly by American artists, in a broad range of performing arts disciplines.
Fund for Audience Development: Help build the audiences of the future by supporting important educational and outreach efforts.
New Ventures Fund: Make a contribution towards Lincoln Center's mission by helping to fund new initiatives that celebrate important bodies of work previously underrepresented at Lincoln Center, or that serve a particular audience.

Gifts in Honor or in Memory
There are many opportunities to commemorate family members, friends, or colleagues on an anniversary or other occasion. These gifts are greatly appreciated by the people being honored and their families, as well as by Lincoln Center. Naming opportunities include, but are not limited to:

Creating a named fund to help support a specific program or service offered by Lincoln Center.
Honoring a loved one by having a memorial nameplate affixed to the back of a seat in Avery Fisher Hall.
Dedicating one regular concert performance in the Great Performers or Mostly Mozart series, or one of the Lincoln Center Festival performances. This can be a one-time memorial or a perpetual dedication, depending on the gift level.

Corporate Partnerships at Lincoln Center
The roster of high quality and diverse programs at Lincoln Center provides an unparalleled range of opportunities for corporate partnerships. Whatever the partner's target group, Lincoln Center can facilitate a broad spectrum of sponsor objectives. Some of these include:

On- and off-site visibility
Sampling opportunities and special promotions
Single or seasonal events and lead or subsidiary sponsorships
Vehicles for exclusive client and corporate entertaining
An affiliation with an internationally recognized performing arts center