USITT > Join/Support > Development

Development & Planned Giving

USIT invites you to support its mission through a comprehensive development and planned giving program. Donor support helps USITT fund research projects, special exhibitions, awards, fellowships, and more through a variety of funds.

USITT acknowledges its many supporters by name and fund-designation on the Honor Roll of Giving. Gifts up to $5,000 are recognized in the USITT Membership Directory and Resource Guide each year. Gifts over $5,000 are recognized permanently on the web site and in the Directory.

In anticipation of its 50th anniversary in 2010, USITT is conducting a special development campaign and everyone in the performing arts and entertainment industry is invited to participate. Help USITT "honor our past" and "secure our future" by making a donation to the fund of your choice.

To learn about the different funds available, please read the descriptions below. To make a donation, download and complete this donation form (PDF) and return it to the USITT office.

The Edward F. Kook Endowment Fund

Edward F. Kook was a founder of the famous Century Lighting Company, a past USITT President, and a long-time champion of theatre design and lighting technology. The Kook Fund is the primary source of support for the research and development activities of USITT members. Over the years this fund has provided thousands of dollars for grants and fellowships.

New Century Fund

The Fellows of USITT established this special fund in 1993 for donations to foster special projects, awards, and scholarships. Annual gifts not designated for a specific award are allocated so that 75% is used for direct support of students in the following year. The remaining 25% is invested to build the fund for support of students in the future.

Projects supported by the New Century Fund include:

• Student Conference Support. Since 1999 H&H Specialties, Inc. has provided yearly funding so a number of student members receive a complimentary full-conference registration. Donations to this program help promote greater student member involvement in the Institute.
• Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts. These awards bring recognition and support to young designers and technicians at the beginning of their careers in scenic design and technology, sound, technical production, lighting design, costume design & technology, makeup design, and stage management. Awards have been created for both graduate and undergraduate students.

Samuel H. Scripps International Fund

USITT is active in the world theatre community, in part through its involvement with OISTAT, the International Organization of Scenographers, Technicians, and Architects of Theatre. In addition to sending representatives to participate in meetings around the world, USITT has joined with OISTAT for numerous special gatherings and exhibitions such as the inaugural World Stage Design exhibition in 2005. Gifts made to this fund are used to build the principal, with the interest earned dedicated to supporting a variety of activities, including the Prague Quadrennial (PQ) and travel grants to USITT members and students.

USITT Fund

The USITT Fund, which is permanently restricted, is currently accepting contributions to build principal, with interest dedicated to support future USITT projects. The fund was established by gifts specifically recognizing the Institute's 50th Anniversary.

Other Opportunities

Named-Gifts: A named-gift may be used to create a fund to honor the name or names placed on it. Establishing a fund for Institute operations, international activities, student scholarships, special publications or events, or special projects are among the many possibilities for a named gift.

PQ Fund: One of the most prestigious international theatre events, the Prague Quadrennial (PQ) is a competition of theatrical design with entries from more than 50 countries. The United States entry, produced by USITT with support by donors such as Samuel H. Scripps, an Honorary Lifetime Member of USITT, and The Tobin Theatre Arts Fund, received major prizes in 1987, 1991, and 1995. In 2003, USITT received a special honorary diploma recognizing the exhibit's "inclusivity and internationalism." Gifts to the fund are dedicated, in their entirety, for use in mounting the upcoming PQ exhibition.

Sponsorships: Each year's Annual Conference & Stage Expo provides numerous opportunities for companies, universities, colleges, and organizations to sponsor receptions, exhibitions, publications, or events. Members provide financial and in-kind support for Tech Expo, Opening Night, Tech Olympics, Design Expo, and more.

Planned Giving

A program sponsored by the Fellows of USITT

Planned Giving offers donors the opportunity to make a charitable donation to one or more USITT programs or activities according to a pre-established plan. Donors have the satisfaction of knowing their donation will be used for the purpose designated and that the Institute will be assisted further in the fulfillment of its mission. Successfully matching donor interests and USITT needs is the heart of our Planned Giving program.

Here are some of the ways you can give to USITT:

• Cash - Gifts of cash are always welcome and can be applied to the fund of the donor's choice.
• Insurance Policies - USITT can be named as one of, or the sole beneficiary of, the proceeds of a life insurance policy. The funds may be distributed to one of our existing programs or USITT can identify other needs that could be met by the donation. Donors may also purchase policies that designate USITT as the owner and beneficiary.
• Bequests - A bequest in a will may name USITT as a beneficiary to receive stock, property, or other valuables. Depending on the terms of the agreement, these donations may be either sold or invested to support a specific program or activity.

As USITT is largely a volunteer organization with a small administrative support staff, we cannot enter into some of the more complex planned arrangements like universities, performing arts centers, or museums. Our aim is to minimize the overhead costs of the program so the maximum amount of your donation goes toward supporting your area of interest.

USITT is a not-for-profit corporation organized under Section 11, Article 2 of the Membership Corporation Law of the New York Statutes and is exempt from federal income tax under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to USITT are deductible by donors as provided in Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donors are strongly advised to consult with a financial advisor to insure their plans do not incur any tax liabilities.

For further information contact Michelle L. Smith, Membership & Ad Sales Manager, at the USITT office.