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Ghost River Theater is asking Calgarians interested in the arts to help preserve the company’s legacy through a newly created endowment fund.
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“An endowment fund is all about stability. If anything, COVID taught us that the old single funding model is no longer really viable. Arts organizations need a reserve that is available in times of crisis. An endowment fund will help keep our company healthy and prosperous,” says Ghost River Art Director Eric Rose.
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Ghost River has been one of Calgary’s most innovative theater companies for three decades, producing such groundbreaking works as The Highest Step in the World, Tomorrow’s Child, GIANT and The Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst.
Rose says that in the last four years the company has saved $60,000 to jump-start its endowment fund and, with the help of donors, hopes to increase that sum to $250,000 by the end of the year.
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“Any donation made to our endowment fund before November 30 will be matched by Canadian Heritage. We know that there are people who want to participate in ensuring that the arts are a vital part of our city and we want to let them know that this window is available to them. Anyone who wishes to donate can visit our website or go to the Calgary Foundation, which will maintain and administer the fund.”
Rose says that if Ghost River can reach the $250,000 goal, Canadian Heritage has promised an unrestricted five percent annual return of funds for life.
“Each year, we would add that $50,000 and any other donations to the fund until we create a $1 million legacy fund. All funds generated through the endowment will be used to support future theater projects and create jobs for local artists and technicians. At times, Ghost River has employed as many as 50 people. We don’t want to lose that ability.”
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Rose says that Ghost River has allowed her to make important and vibrant contributions to the Calgary theater scene, as well as nationally and internationally.
“I want Ghost River to be able to do the same for other artists in the future and an endowment fund is a smart and necessary way to help make that possible.”
In addition to becoming a part of Ghost River Theatre’s legacy, donors will be recognized on the donor website and on the donor list on show schedules. Tax receipts will be issued and the Calgary Foundation is willing to work with donors to ensure that your donation receives the best benefit for tax purposes.