Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2012 - 86

inside
william j.
byrnes

editor

Confirming Your Commitment
Dennis Dorn, Chair USITT Development Committee

id you have your cup of joe today? Or,
is your habit of choice the once- or twice-daily
soda, iced tea, or sports drink? If it's Red Bull,
you might be too wired to read further, but do
you remember that "Cup of Joe" is also the name
of USITT's appeal for member-generated giving.
The Cup of Joe campaign provides an opportunity for every USITT member to make
a difference. No need to write a check for a
large amount once or twice a year. No need
to wait until membership renewal time to
add a contribution on your dues statement.
The Cup of Joe campaign is just like
the automatic payments we all use to pay
some bills. In the same way, you can make
a small monthly contribution to USITT and
have it charged directly to your credit card.
This simple action, when combined with the
contributions of your fellow USITT members,
makes the Institute an even more effective
tool for professional development and networking.
If you're ready for your Cup of Joe, go to
the USITT website, click on "GIVING" in the
red menu at the top of the page and choose
"Give a Cup of Joe." You can contribute whatever monthly amount you wish, with eight dollars a month as the minimum. You also can
specify the day of the month you would like
your contribution withdrawn. Your gift will be
directed to the endowment fund of your choosing or you can choose to contribute to the general operating budget to give a little extra to
the day-to-day functions of the Institute.
If you are already a Cup of Joe contributor, many thanks for indulging in this habit.
If not, please consider joining the many

theatre design

& technology

members who have already
established their monthly
giving program. It is a green,
low-carbon-footprint solution
to sharing and making an even
greater impact through your
USITT membership. After all,
every gift helps make it possible for you to receive member
support when it comes time to
realize your own dreams and
ambitions.

Ways Your Giving Gives Back
USITT has a strong commitment to promoting
research, disseminating information, and
strengthening professional networks. Some
membership benefits are directly related to
USITT's four major endowment funds: the
Edward F. Kook Fund, the Samuel H. Scripps
International Fund, the New Century Fund,
and the USITT Fund. Information about these
funds can always be found at www.usitt.org/giving,
in USITT's annual Membership Directory &
Resource Guide, or by contacting the USITT

Have you had your Cup of Joe yet?
office at 1-800-938-7488. And of course you
can contact me at nrodld@gmail.com.
What sort of benefits do these funds offer USITT members? Below are some examples from the Kook and New Century funds.

Edward F. Kook Fund
The Kook Fund supports projects by individual
members on a competitive basis through
USITT's Grants and Fellowships.
USITT Grants are funded in amounts up

Edward F. Kook Fund

Samuel H. Scripps
International Fund

New Century Fund

USITT Fund

Founded: 1978

Founded: 1988

Founded: 1993

Founded: 2005

Earnings in this fund have
provided thousands of dollars
annually through the Grants
& Fellowships competition
to fund projects by USITT
members.

This fund supports
international activities, most
notably exhibit expenses
and student travel grants for
USITT's participation in the
Prague Quadrennial.

This fund fosters awards
and scholarships in support
of students and young
professionals, including
student conference support
and the annual YD&T Awards.

Created in celebration of
USITT's 50th anniversary,
this fund encourages
and underwrites new
initiatives for membership
involvement.

USITT's Four Major Endowment Funds

spring

2012

http://www.usitt.org/giving

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2012