SUPPORT US

The power of theatre to unite us knows no boundaries. Whatever our backgrounds, whatever our circumstances, we all have the capacity to feel a sense of wonder, to be dazzled by the sights and sounds, to love, to laugh, and to cry.

Live theatre performance draws out these emotions, and when we feel them, we feel them together.

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, we depend upon the contributions of many individuals and organizations in our community whose gifts allow us to create transformative experiences both on and off the stage.

MAKE A
GIFT

BECOME A COMMUNITY PARTNER

It is a privilege to produce theatre for our thoughtful and engaged audiences, as you challenge us to do better, think deeper, and laugh louder. In turn, we hope that we inspire you to do the same.

By making a gift today, you are supporting our mission to produce transformational high-quality theatre, foster local artists, and engage our community with outreach and education programs for students across central Ohio.

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE

Many employers have matching gift programs that will double or even triple your contribution, furthering the impact of your gift. For more information, please contact your employer’s department of Human Resources or our Development Office at (614) 453-4601. Then, mail us a completed form or submit your matching gift online and email our Executive Director, Christy Farnbauch, at cfarnbauch@thecontemporaryohio.org. 

Each production in our season requires care and attention to make the magical moments happen. Supporting a particular show through sponsorship helps us give that show the love it needs to reach its full potential. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Christy Farnbauch at 614-453-4601 or cfarnbauch@thecontemporaryohio.org.

The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio strives to tell stories poignant in the present, but we also hope they endure in the future. Leave your legacy with us through a planned gift, enjoy the benefits of alleviating your tax burden, and support our work in a meaningful tribute. Whether you have included The Contemporary in your estate plan or as a beneficiary in your charitable trust, retirement plan, or insurance policy, let us know so that we may express our gratitude for your outstanding generosity.

Our development team would be glad to work with you and your financial adviser on determining your best approach to planned giving. For more information, please contact Christy Farnbauch at cfarnbauch@thecontemporaryohio.org.

The Fred and Howard Fund for CATCO at The Columbus Foundation was established by the late Fred Holdridge and Howard Burns, longtime CATCO supporters. You can contribute to this endowment through The Columbus Foundation’s website. For further information, contact Brad Britton at The Columbus Foundation at (614) 251-4000.

Please request that checks are made payable to The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio and mailed to the following address:

Mail:
The Contemporary Development Office

Attention: Christy Farnbauch

55 East State Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: (614) 453-4601
Email: cfarnbauch@thecontemporaryohio.org

The Contemporary’s tax identification number is 31-1168461.

Gifts of stock, especially long-term appreciated stock, provide benefits to both The Contemporary and you. We can put your stock donations to immediate use and you can:

  • Give away appreciated assets and usually avoid a tax gain.
  • Receive the regular charitable income tax deduction if you itemize your taxes.
  • Claim a tax deduction for the full, fair-market value (rather than the cost value) of your stock if you have owned the securities for more than one year.

Please contact us and let us know the name of the broker who will handle the transaction for you, the name of the stock, and the number of shares you are donating (example: 500 shares of XYZ Stock) so that we can be aware that the gift is forthcoming. We will also provide you with The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio’s account information to make the transfer.

For information about stock transfers, please contact Christy Farnbauch at cfarnbauch@thecontemporaryohio.org. 

For your reference, our Tax ID is #31-1168461

Looking for ticket donations from The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio for your organization’s event, raffle, or gift basket? Contact Alexa Baker at abaker@thecontemporaryohio.org.

2025 End-Of-Year Tax Law Changes

7 Things You Need to Know

Changes to the tax code beginning January 1, 2026, could affect how—and when—you choose to give to The Contemporary and other nonprofits.

What’s new:

  1. Tax benefit for non-itemizers
    Even if you don’t itemize, you can deduct up to $1,000 (single filers) or $2,000 (married couples). So even smaller donations can make an impact. Note: Gifts to donor advised funds are excluded.
  2. New floor for itemizers
    You will need to give at least 0.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to claim a charitable deduction. Consider maximizing your giving in 2025 before the new rule takes effect.
  3. New limit for top earners
    Currently, top earners get a 37-cent tax benefit for every $1 deducted. Starting in 2026, that drops to 35 cents. If you are in the top tax bracket, consider giving more this year to avoid losing tax benefits next year.

What stays:

  1. Income tax brackets
    The new law permanently extends the current tax rates.
  2. Standard deduction
    For 2025, it will be $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly. If you don’t itemize, you may still benefit if you give appreciated stock, real estate, or, if you are 70½ or older, from your IRA.
  3. Deduction limit for cash gifts
    You can still deduct cash gifts of up to 60% of your AGI. Consider combining your cash and non-cash assets (often called blended giving) to maximize your tax benefits and impact.
  4. Estate and gift tax exemption
    It will increase to $15 million per individual and $30 million per married couple filing jointly. Your estate is likely under this amount, so focus on current giving to receive tax benefits.

Courtesy: Ohio Wesleyan University and Families Flourish