1. What does the campaign support?
The KTC is launching a campaign to create and renovate a recently purchased bold new space at 417 Martin Luther King, Jr. / West State Street.  The campaign will allow us to renovate the bare space (currently down to one inner support wall) into a lovely new accessible theater venue with office and rehearsal space.  With the enthusiastic support of our patrons, friends, and the local business community, our new home will lead the Kitchen to a secure, strong, and sustainable future. 

2. Why should I support this campaign?
The Kitchen Theatre’s growth over the last five years has been extraordinary.  Now it is time to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Kitchen.  The campaign for a bold new space will accomplish just that!  Your gift will mean that the KTC can continue to bring Ithaca, Tompkins County, and Central New York its unique brand theater, and that we remain a permanent mainstay on the cultural landscape of our community. The complete Campaign brochure is online and available to download (or by mail—just call us) for more information. 

Case Statement
(right click to download)

3. How long will the Campaign Run?
We hope to finish the fundraising for the campaign by December of 2009.  Gifts and pledges made right now will help us keep the renovations moving and allow us to put our energy and resources into our new home.  Pledges made to the campaign can be paid over a three year period.

4. How much should I give?  Should I give to the campaign instead of the Annual Fund?
The campaign welcomes gifts and pledges at all levels.  We still need your regular gift to the annual fund which supports our yearly operating costs, so please continue your support to that fund first.  The great news is that we have already received gifts and pledges from more than one hundred of our nearest and dearest friends, community businesses, and foundations who gave generous stretch gifts to get our campaign off to a roaring start!  Your gift, big or small, is essential to help us make our campaign goal. There is a range of opportunities for naming throughout the new building, and all donors to the campaign will be recognized publicly at the new venue and in our program inserts.

5.  Can I make a pledge now?
Sure!  To make a pledge simply fill in and sign this simple intent form indicating the amount you’d like to contribute and when you think you will give it.  Mail it to the Kitchen at 116 W. Cayuga St. Ithaca, 14850.  The KTC campaign will welcome a one-time payment or a multi-year pledge of up to three years.  We are also happy to send you a reminder later of when you said you’d contribute.

Pledge Form

6. What is the Empire Zone Credit?
The New York State Empire Zone Tax Credit enables donors who make a cash gift of over $1000 to the campaign between April 22, 2009 and June 30, 2010 to deduct up to 25% of their gift from their NYS taxes.  This is a straight deduction off the taxes owed, and is in addition to the regular charitable deduction credit.  The $1000 total can be made as a multi-year pledge, but you will only receive tax credit for the amount(s) you’ve paid on or before June 30, 2010.  There is a special form you will need to fill out in addition to the pledge form if you qualify.

More information on the Empire Zone Tax Credit can be found here.

7. What kind of gifts can you accept?
The Kitchen Campaign welcomes your gift in the form of cash, check, credit card (Visa/MasterCard), IRA roll over, or Charitable Trust payment.  If you are considering a gift of securities or real estate, or a bequest or other planned gift please call Stephen Nunley, our Managing Director, at (607) 272-0403 for more information.  Please note that to qualify for the Empire Zone Tax Credit your gift must be in the form of cash, a check, or a credit card payment.