Frequently Asked Questions
Who benefits from the Fund for the Arts?
At present, five Beneficiary Groups receive allocations for general operating support through funds raised during the Fund for the Arts:
The Fund for the Arts also funds Community Arts Grants. Through this program, nonprofit organizations can apply for project-based funding to mount educational and community-focused arts programs.
To see a list of the 2009 - 2010 Grant Recipients click HERE.
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How much money was raised last year?
The 2009 Campaign for the Arts raised $1,018,000. Of that total, $450,000 came from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government; $215,000 from the corporate sector and the ramaining funds from foundations and individuals.
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What is workplace giving?
It is the component of the annual Fund for the Arts that solicits donations from individuals through their place of work. The process is similar to a United Way campaign.
- A broader base of the community is reached.
- Donating is easier. At each business, a Site Coordinator oversees the process and sends in donations/pledges. Monthly contributions are accepted through credit cards, ACH and payroll deductions (where applicable). A contribution of $52 ($1 a week) earns the LexArts Card.
LexArts works directly with each Site Coordinator to help tailor a successful campaign to their particular workplace.
For more information on workplace giving contact Jill Gookin at 859.255.2951 or jgookin@lexarts.org.
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What is the LexArts Card?
The LexArts Card is a premium for donors who give $52 or more to the Fund for the Arts. Benefits of the LexArts Card include:
- 10% discount at participating arts organizations
- 10% discount Sunday through Thursday at participating restaurants
- 20% discount at participating retailers during the weeks of February 20 - 27, 2010, September 11 - 18, 2010 and February 19 - 26, 2011.
For more information on the LexArts Card click HERE.
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When does the Fund for the Arts run?
The public portion of the Fund for the Arts runs from February 15 to April 15. However, contributions will be accepted at any time of the year.
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What are the benefits of giving to the campaign?
- Giving to the LexArts Fund for the Arts is the most effective way to impact the greatest number of arts organizations at once.
- Donors are entitled to a number of benefits, commensurate with giving level
- All donors to the campaign will continue to receive updated information on activities and events throughout the arts community
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Are contributions tax deductible?
All gifts are tax deductible under IRS standards.
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Don't local arts organizations earn enough money through ticket sales?
Income from ticket sales and admission fees covers only a fraction of the actual costs. If the full cost were charged, many people now enjoying arts activities would not be able to attend. Other organizations charge no admission at all. Many LexArts supported organizations offer programming to schools at little or no cost, as wll as additional activities free to the public.
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I'm not interested in the arts. Why should I contribute?
Most everyone has attended an arts event, whether it was in school, a concert, a recital or art exhibit. But, if you do not have an interest in the arts, it is important to realize:
- As the arts flourish, so will creativity and innovation - the fuel that drives our global economy.
- The creative industries play a major role in building and sustaining economically vibrant communities.
- Arts organizations provide jobs and generate government revenue and are the cornerstone of tourism and downtown revitalization.
Your contribution to the Fund for the Arts contributes to a healthy and vibrant economy for Lexington and central Kentucky and makes a difference for businesses of all sizes.
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My company sponsors lots of art events, does LexArts still need my help?
While corporations sponsor special events and programs, Lexington's arts organizations still need a strong and stable base of support from individuals in the community. The campaign helps provide basic operating support on an annual, ongoing basis.
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