What will this campaign support?

The campaign will be for an addition to Madison Memorial High School and the creation of a new, modern, functional performing arts theatre in addition to a new black box theatre, new rooms for band, orchestra, and choir, a scene shop, and a digital production studio.

All spaces are designed with the goal of supporting expanded curriculum and increasing equitable opportunities to participate in the arts.

Wasn’t a major school referendum recently approved by Madison voters to cover things like this?

Yes, 80% of the voters supported the referendum, demonstrating their passion for not only Madison’s public schools, but their aspirations for this and future generations of students, faculty and staff.

Funding for the arts spaces at Madison Memorial was approved, however the referendum presented to the community did not include all that was wanted and is needed. The private philanthropy provided by this campaign will allow us to follow through on the full vision for the performing arts spaces, creating a “margin of excellence” in function, scope, and esthetic.

What is the timeline? When are gifts and pledges needed by?

In order to move forward jointly with the existing construction plans funded by the referendum, campaign gift payments can be made at any time in the next two years. Donors can make pledges for payment in 2022 and 2023 to support related projects as well in order to spread out payments.

Why now?

If the enhancements to the scale and scope of the renovation and refurbishment of Memorial are conducted concurrently with referendum funding, there are significant economies of scale and financial savings. A portion of the desired project will be funded by the already approved referendum. If we don’t do it now, we may not have another opportunity for many years to come.

Who will benefit from this project?

The spaces will be designed to benefit students and faculty, as well as elementary and middle school students from other district schools. The public and community organizations will also be invited to utilize the spaces.

The expanded arts opportunities and curriculum that will be enabled by the modernized spaces will benefit the community as a whole, enriching the creative lives our our inspired and aspiring young artists and performers.

How can I make a gift?

We are collecting contributions through our fiscal agent, the Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools, which is a 501(c)3 public charity. You can make a donation online via their site, or write a check payable to the Foundation and mail it to:

Madison Public Schools Foundation
2005 W. Beltline Hwy, Suite 203
Madison, WI 53713

It is important to indicate that your gift is designated for the Madison Memorial Campaign.

You can also complete and sign this pledge form that indicates your willingness to make and complete a charitable gift within an agreed upon time frame.

The Foundation for Madison’s Public Schools has extensive experience in handling a wide variety of gift types, including gifts of appreciated securities, donor advised fund distributions and IRA contributions made by individuals 70.5 years or older. If you are interested in contributing by one of these routes, please contact the foundation.

Are gifts tax deductible?

Yes. Gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Can I designate my gift for a particular part of the project?

Ideally, we are seeking the greatest flexibility in funding the various projects in this initiative. If you have a personal interest in a particular aspect or facility in the plan, please ask.

Have the facility designs been completed?

The formal design contract on the section of the wing covered by the referendum (classroom space) will be issued after September 2021. The committee is seeking preliminary design and cost projections from EUA and Findorff, the architect and construction firms engaged by the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD.) The faculty, students and alumni have a vision for these facilities that will be realized with the successful completion of the campaign.

Is private philanthropic support of a public school new?

For several decades, private support of education has successfully transformed private and public universities and independent schools. This major gifts initiative seeks to validate the generosity and passion of alumni and friends of Madison’s public schools, beyond the familiar annual and project fundraising that has been conducted in the past.

Do you have a question not answered here? Want more information? Interested in making a gift?
We’d love to talk to you.