Searching for the Pot of Gold

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"Philanthropy is almost the only virtue which is sufficiently appreciated by mankind."

--Henry David Thoreau

The daily operation of schools and colleges requires funding far beyond that provided through tuition, fees and taxes. As true with all major arts organizations, music programs rely heavily on donors to provide additional resources for scholarships, state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance facilities, visiting artists and scholars, student research, music, instruments, equipment and travel. To capture the hearts, minds and support of donors, the music program must work hand-in-hand with its students, parents, alumni, administration and, of course, the community to forge relationships of trust and respect.

The first step in creating a support organization for a music program is to select a board of directors whose members 1) support the musical arts, 2) support the institution, 3) are trusted and respected, both personally and professionally, in the community, 4) are willing and financially able to invest in the organization, 5) are eager to involve their friends, family and business contacts to help them grow has a bachelor's degree from Drake I University, a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a doctoral degree from Indiana University the organization and, most importantly, 6) support the vision of the organization. In addition to recruiting outstanding community leaders, the governing body should also include alumni, faculty, staff, the music executive, the administration and current music students to ensure the needs of the music program are understood and met. The chief development officer of the institution must be apprised of all fund raising events and publicity of the organization because …