Most of us are
often plagued by our music budget limitations - it seems to be a fact of (church)
life. Here are some suggestions for finding funding.
There are often
parishioners who might be willing to donate a small amount for a specific purpose.
Our job is to identify those people and match them with an enticing need. Don't
be shy to ask. Some people will help out just knowing they will have an
impact on the music program. Often the more direct & specific information
that we can supply, the more willing people are to help.
Possible donation
sources -
- Publicize specific
needs in the parish bulletin
- Ask the treasurer/bookkeeper/minister
whom you should approach who is rich! (or look in local community program
booklets for the high-roller contributors)
- Suggest a designation
of memorial gifts to the music fund - for years, "music" was not
listed on our "heritage fund" donation card (it is now)
- Ask a parishioner
who is a community music supporter; explain that even a small donation of
$50 or $100 can have an impact & make a difference
- Remember those
who appreciate and compliment the music program or are interested in its future
development; after receiving a compliment, or in the program of a special
music service, ask explicitly – "You’re so kind to offer encouragement
and appreciation; you know it’s expensive running a quality music program…
perhaps you’d be willing to help us…"
- Ask business
people (even young professionals) who might be intrigued with the idea of
supporting the program
- Suggest a specific
contribution in memory of a loved one
- Ask a parent
of a child in the choir to purchase a new anthem for Palm Sunday, Easter,
Christmas or other special occasion (or sponsor a guest instrumentalist)
Possible
specific needs to entice donations -
- Engaging instrumentalists
for accompanying special or seasonal music
- Supporting young
artists to play a prelude and postlude
- Buying a set
of new music for the choir (or children's choir)
- Contributing
toward the maintenance of the instruments, requesting specific needs
- Contributing
toward the purchase of a new rank of organ pipes (or even a single pipe)
- Contributing
toward a set of bells or the purchase of a single bell
- Purchasing a
new chair for the choir rehearsal
- Contributing
new or used office equipment
Then
specifically invite the donor to hear the performance.
These are but a
few suggestions that might help toward the expenses of running a quality music
program. Many times there are people who just need to be asked and it is up
to us to let them know what the needs are.
Will
Sherwood, ChM, AAGO, is Director of Music & Organist at First Unitarian,
Worcester, and loves to accept contributions for his music budgets!
