Theatre Baton Rouge is undertaking an effort to grow our endowment so that we remain competitive, fulfill our programmatic goals and sustain our principles of quality.   Our goal is to build TBR’s Endowment Fund over the next ten years in order to sustain our Mission of providing quality live theatre for, and by the community.

Why should I contribute to The TBR Endowment?

• Sustain TBR’s Reputation.  TBR’s reputation is founded on the community-led spirit of its productions. Having an endowment to support the programs that make TBR special will protect them from budget uncertainties and income downturns.
• Perpetuate Your Annual Gift. Many donors see a gift to endowment as a way to continue their own regular annual giving forever.  For example an endowment gift of $10,000 could produce an annual gift of $500 to TBR, given a 5% return.  In ten years, that gift of $500 could increase to $1,600 if the fund earned 10% per year.  It’s an excellent way to keep giving year after year.
• Guarantee Your Enduring Legacy.   Donors to the endowment create a continual stream of financial support that will outlive them and influence succeeding generations.
• Fund New Initiatives. A strong endowment can fund new initiatives that are central to TBR’s Mission to provide opportunities for as much of the community as possible such as more diverse educational programming, commissioning and developing new works, or providing the ability to take advantage of rapidly changing markets.
• Ensure a Stronger TBR.  Each year, TBR must raise a certain number of dollars to meet operational costs to support the facilities, program and personnel. Raising money for the ‘here and now’ is always a priority. Annual payouts from the endowment can relieve some of this pressure and safeguard against unexpected disasters such as Gustav and Katrina or fluctuations by other funding sources like the Louisiana Division of the Arts.

Where is TBR’s endowment invested?

The Endowment is a part of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) investment pool, a mix of stocks, bonds, and other investments with the goal of preserving the principal, providing earnings to support the various donor and agency-advised funds, and guarding the fund against inflation. Historically the BRAF Fund has produced significant growth even with the uncertain and volatile market of the last several years.

Who manages the TBR endowment

The TBR Board of Governors sets an investment policy and monitors the fund.  At present, TBR’s endowment is invested with the Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF), the same group that manages many of the top foundations and funds in the Greater Baton Rouge Area, and the performance of BRAF for the theatre is reviewed annually by the Board.

What Types of gifts CAN be made to The Endowment?

There are many ways to give to the Endowment, some of which may provide income to the donor, save estate taxes, decrease income tax, and partially or completely bypass capital gains tax, while at the same time providing support for TBR. These include:

• Bequests
• Gift Annuities
• Retirement Funds
• Life Insurance
• Charitable Trusts

How will my gift be recognized?

There is an exciting range of naming opportunities and benefits for donors and their families.  Specific recognition is available for productions, community outreach and access programs, your favorite performance, education programs, and prominent spaces in both the Main Stage and the Studio facilities, to name a few.

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