METZLER - COPAKEN INITIATIVE

TO EXPAND THE PERFORMING ARTS AT THE FOLLY THEATER

Background

The Metzler-CopakenInitiative to Expand the Performing Arts at the Folly Theater was established by Bunni and Paul Copaken to celebrate the life and legacy of their close friend, C. Stephen Metzler. Steve was a passionate advocate for the arts, and was instrumental in the revitalization of the Folly Theater.

The Initiative supports small and mid-sized arts organizations by providing an opportunity to elevate their public profile, expand their audience, develop and showcase the talents of their artists, enhance the production values of their work, and build a stronger organizational future through performances in the historic Folly Theater.

Up to four grants will be awarded each year for an amount not to exceed the lesser of 75% of the Folly rental costs (including theater rental, labor, and equipment rental charges), or $8,000. The combined total amount of the grants will be $24,000 for each of the first three years.

Grant Policies

In order to be considered for funding through the Metzler – CopakenInitiative, an organization must:

  • Be a recognized non-profit arts organization in good standing (copy of annual registration letter or IRS determination letter required);
  • Have an annual operations budget of no less than $150,000, and no more than $1,250,000;
  • Plan to serve individuals in the Kansas City area through the proposed public performance(s) at the Folly Theater.

Any proposed performance date/s must be cleared with the Folly Theater prior to submitting this application.

It is expected that this grant will be used: to expand or cultivate new audiences, and/or toenhance production values, and/or to elevate the organization’s public profile and recognition of its artists, and/or to promote diversity, and/or present new works which will contribute to Kansas City’s creative arts ecology.

The recipient of a grant is expected to report to the Folly, as administrator of the Initiative, within two months of the Folly performance date, as to the actual use of the funds and the results produced with the grant. A report form will be provided.

Application Procedure

For consideration of a grant under the Metzler – Copaken Initiative at the Folly Theater, an organization should submit a proposal (form attached) and all required documents.

Electronic Application: Send to Brian Williams –

Hard Copy Applications: Brian Williams, Director of Development

Folly Theater, PO Box 26505, Kansas City, MO 64196

APPLICATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 31, 2016, 5:00 pm