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GivingTuesday is a day celebrated around the world in support of non-profit organization and to encourage people to give to a non-profit organization that  have special meaning for them.

GivingTuesday is normally held on the first Tuesday in December. However, GivingTuesdayNow is being deployed today as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-10.

Along with other organizations, the Johnson Center for the Arts is experiencing the effects of the pandemic situation.

Brenda Campbell, Johnson Center for the Arts executive director, said the JCA, like other businesses and organizations, non-profits have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“At the JCA. we rely heavily on memberships, donations, and event venue rentals to keep Johnson Center open to the public with no admission fees,” Campbell said.

“Since the quarantine restrictions went into effect, the JCA has issued refunds for event rentals scheduled at the Studio and the Johnson Center during the dates affected.  Of course, future event planning by the patrons has been affected by the uncertainty of future restrictions.  As with most organizations, we currently need operating funds to pay utilities, rent, mortgage payments, and other regular monthly expenses. 

“We were fortunate enough to receive a PPP loan that will definitely help us in meeting payroll payments.”

The JCA membership drive is traditionally in September with memberships running from October 1-September 30 but memberships for 2020-2021 may be prepaid today GivingTuesdayNow.

Memberships are offered at several levels from the $50 Individual Membership and the $100 Family Level, to the $5000 Platinum Level.  Corporate memberships begin at $500. Benefits increase with the giving level and include discounts on venue rentals, tickets for paid events, invitations to members only events, recognition gifts, and listings on the JCA membership wall.

“Currently, we have 130 members who have generously donated for the 2019-2020 membership year,” Campbell said.  “Many other individuals and organizations choose to donate directly to the Troy-Pike Cultural Arts Center (dba Johnson Center for the Arts).”

As a recognized 501c3 organization, all memberships and donations are tax deductible. For the 2020 tax year, Americans can deduct up to $300 of cash donations without having to itemize their tax return. 

“We appreciate all donations and hope that the people of Pike and surrounding counties will help us to carry our mission of “the cultural enrichment of the lives of all citizens through exposure to and education in the arts.” Donations are accepted at any time and may be made securely online at https://johnsoncenterarts.org/join-us#! or checks may be mailed to: Johnson Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 863, Troy, AL 36081.

For more information, call 434-2378.