Support the Grand
The Grand’s in your hands...
As a non-profit theater in downtown Wilmington, The Grand is truly supported AND owned by YOU—our patrons, volunteers, and donors.
This has been an extremely challenging time for the organization as we have seen the worst economic downturn in decades and, as you know, are struggling financially. We have experienced significant losses in revenue from a reduction in corporate support, diminished endowment returns, and rising operating expenses. We need your help.
There is simply no venue that compares to the historic Grand as an intimate and elegant theater where one can see such amazing artists as Diana Krall, Louis CK, Buddy Guy, and Emmylou Harris. But to keep the stars coming and the theater brightly lit and welcoming, we need your help.
Every year, I have the incredible opportunity to see over 20,000 children from all around the region come through our doors for the amazing educational opportunities that are offered here. The Grand will not be able to sustain these programs without consistent financial support. We need your help.
As a venue that brings over 150,000 visitors every year to the city of Wilmington, the state of The Grand has a tremendous economic impact on the community. Our downtown business partners rely on us to provide excellence in programming and keep tickets affordable to the community. This will not continue if seats remain empty. We need your help.
Please consider making a new pledge/gift or increasing your current contribution to the Friends of The Grand Annual Fund today. Your gift will directly benefit The Grand during this challenging time and lay the foundation for a healthier financial future. You can make your donation online here or contact Meredith Mitchell, Donor Relations Manager, at 302.658.7897 ext. 3302 or mmitchell@grandopera.org.
Invest in the Art You Cherish
As a non-profit organization that presents the best music, comedy, and dance, The Grand is accountable to you and many others who treasure it as a live performance venue, a center for the arts, and a provider of community education programs. You and the others who love The Grand are “the owners,” and the key to a stronger, more vital Grand is many owners doing their part to maintain this valuable community asset. By joining others who make a gift to The Grand this year, you’ll be doing your part to help preserve this beautiful and intimate facility for all to enjoy.
DONATE NOWor print a Donation Form
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Why Support The Grand?
You may be aware that the Grand does much more than create great performances in a beautiful, historic setting. It also provides community education programs such as the Stage of Discovery school matinee series, the Summer Children’s Theater, and the Arts Academy at The Grand that introduce live performance to nearly 20,000 children and families -- the next generation of Grand patrons. It also partners with many community organizations to stage more than 300 events annually.
Where the Money Comes From:
- 35% Support from individuals, sponsors, grants, and special events
- 29% Over 45,000 ticket buyers who attend our shows
- 21% Interest income from endowments
- 11% Local business and community organizations who use our facilities for their own events
- 4% Fees and tuition from students and groups participating in the Arts Academy at The Grand
Where the Money Goes:
- 25% Keeping the shows you love on our stages
- 21% Preserving and maintaining this historic theater
- 16% Serving our community with arts education and outreach programs
- 15% Providing the best possible communication and service to our loyal customers
- 15% Ensuring sound financial management and overall stewardship of this community asset
- 8% Fundraising to make all this important work possible
The Grand Opera House, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
DONATE NOW or Print a Donation Form