General Operating Support

As the oldest and largest not-for-profit theater company in Chicago, Goodman Theatre seeks to be the city’s premier cultural organization through the unsurpassed quality, range and diversity of its productions and programs, as well as through its commitment to improving the quality of life in our community.

But we can’t do it without your help

Nearly 40 percent of the Goodman’s annual operating budget comes from donor contributions.

Your donation impact

Gifts designated to general support help meet the theater’s highest priorities.

Priorities

This support helps fund productions from inception to execution by hiring the best artistic minds in the business to usher a play from the page to the stage.

Presenting outstanding new works and fresh interpretations of the classics
Offering an array of free education and community programs
Maintaining our state-of-the-art theater home and employing top-notch artistic and administrative staff

Partnership Opportunities

These gifts also help underwrite partnerships with local and international theater companies, such as

Teatro Vista
Congo Square Theatre Company
MICA Chicago
Albany Park Theatre Project
MPAAct
Belarus Free Theatre and celebrated Cuban company Teatro Buendia.

77 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to Goodman Theatre funding priorities.

The Better Business Bureau Standard for Nonprofit Accountability recommends that 65 cents of every dollar raised be used for funding priorities.
Donations make up over one third of the Goodman’s operating income, providing a vital revenue stream to fund our productions and programs.

Your Donation at Work

Examples of where your funds can be distributed.

$5,000 – Provide assistance for the preservation of Goodman Theatre’s historic façade, registered as an official Chicago landmark.

$2,500 – Help fund the Goodman’s eco-friendly energy conservation initiatives, such as the installation of motion sensors and compact fluorescents to reduce the theater’s energy consumption.

$1,500 – Support the ongoing maintenance of our state-of-the-art theater complex.

$1,000 – Provide funding for continuing enhancements to technical capabilities in both the Albert and Owen theaters, including lighting, sound and custom effects for specific productions.

$500 – Help subsidize the Goodman’s free audience engagement programs, such as post-show discussions following Wednesday and Thursday evening performances.

$250 – Support continuing education initiatives for staff and artists, to keep the Goodman at the forefront of regional theater.