Communication Strategy/Fundraising Case

As part of our communication strategy, it's important for us to have a consistent, clear, and inspiring message with a call to action that accurately, adequately, and effectively describes who we are and provides a case for support. The following is a first draft of our fundraising case targeting families and individuals. Feel free to post feedback. Consider the questions listed in the succeeding post.

The Cedar 501 (c)(3) is an intimate performance venue in Minneapolis that has been presenting local, regional, national, and international music for 17 years.

The mission of The Cedar Cultural Center is to promote inter-cultural appreciation and understanding through the presentation of global music and dance. The Cedar is committed to artistic excellence and integrity, diversity of programming, support for emerging artists, and community outreach.

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The Cedar is supported by your charitable gifts The Cedar exists to serve the community, not to turn a profit. The larger number of individuals and foundations who support The Cedar financially, the more opportunities The Cedar can pursue in its programming. The Cedar seeks to support emerging artists whose audiences are still developing and to book higher-profile artists whose work serves specific communities.

Ticket sales only account for 46% of The Cedar’s operating expenses Many small to mid-size music venues rely on bar sales to stay in business, and The Cedar doesn’t operate as a bar. The Cedar sometimes subsidizes visa and travel expenses for international artists, which often makes it possible for them to perform in Minnesota. Due in part to these factors, The Cedar can’t rely on earned revenue to stay in business.

The Cedar depends on philanthropic contributions Donations from individuals help subsidize expenses that ticket sales don’t cover.

The annual fund raises money for the operating budget The operating budget covers expenses that keep The Cedar running including performer fees, staff salaries, utilities, and maintenance. Currently, The Cedar is trying to increase its operating budget to allow for better building maintenance and upkeep, flexibility of programming, and community outreach.

Even small donations to The Cedar are important We know that not all of our patrons and community members in a position to donate large sums of money. But even gifts of $20 or $50 a year are important. Here’s why:

A gift of any amount shows your support for The Cedar When a large number of individuals donate to an organization, it demonstrates how supported that organization is by the community.

Giving at any level makes an investment in and shows a vote of confidence for The Cedar.

Small gifts make a significant financial impact Small donations really do add up!

High donor participation inspires additional giving Individuals with the capacity to give larger donations will be more likely to do so if other community members also support the organization.


























WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO THE CEDAR?
There are a lot of worthy non-profit organizations in the Twin Cities that need philanthropic support. Why should The Cedar be on the top of your list?
Your gift supports local, emerging, independent artists
Your gift brings culture to Minnesota by allowing The Cedar to host international artists
Your gift helps The Cedar present an interesting, diverse mix of artistic programming
Your gift helps provide a gathering space for various ethnic, racial, and geographic communities


WHAT YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS
Where will your money go? Most of The Cedar’s operating money is spent on performer fees and staff salaries. Here are a few things The Cedar is doing this year that your donation will help make happen:

• The Cedar is developing new partnerships with local music centers and public schools to facilitate hands-on workshops and master classes administered by Cedar artists for music students and young people of the Twin Cities.

• Restoration of The Cedar’s historical marquee that will serve as a landmark for the neighborhood and as a promotional tool for The Cedar (two year time frame).

• Every year, The Cedar brings artists to the Twin Cities who have never before performed in Minnesota. This year, The Cedar is presenting the following artists who have haven’t previously visited our state: Chango Spasiuk, Sinikka Langeland Duo from Norway, Den Fule from Sweden, Chicago Afrobeat Project, and the Pine Leaf Boys.

• The Cedar is taking steps to evaluate our audience demographic and putting into place community outreach strategies to diversify our audiences and better reach underserved communities

MAKE A GIFT TODAY!
1) You can donate online at www.thecedar.org/donate
2) Mail a check to 416 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
3) Call 612-338-2674 ext 2 and leave your credit card number and donation amount on our secure line
Questions? Call 612-338-2674 ext 103 or email adorn@thecedar.org