Announcing an exciting short-term incentive for organizations new to the Jon Sims Endowment Fund.
In honor of the 35th Anniversary of the Jon Sims Endowment Fund for the Performing Arts, an exciting limited-time offer will help your organization increase its wealth and secure its future for the long term!
Here’s how it works:
- Your LGBT non-profit performing arts group makes an initial investment of at least $1,000
- The amount invested (up to $5,000) will be matched by JSEF at a rate of 35%
- That’s up to $1,750 added to your investment account!
- June 1, 2024 deadline extended! If your group signs a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to participate, that deadline is being extended. Download a PDF of the LOI HERE.
- If you would like a one-page flyer you can share with your leadership, download it HERE (if your group is a band) or HERE (if your group is not a band).
Frequently asked questions
If you have additional question, write to info@jsef.org
Q: Which organizations are eligible for this program?
A: Any 501c3 non-profit organization devoted to LGBT performing arts is eligible for this promotion. Only organizations without an existing JSEF investment account are eligible.
Q: I’m ready to invest. What do I do next?
A: Send a confirming e-mail to info@jsef.org. To complete your investment, there is a simple agreement form you will need to complete.
Q: How can I transfer my organization’s funds to JSEF?
A: We can accept checks, wire transfers, cash, money order, or cashier checks. The mailing address is: JSEF, PO Box 14172, San Francisco, CA 94114-0172.
Q: My group received matching funds during one of the two earlier JSEF incentive offers in 2015 or 2019. Are we eligible for this offer?
A: No. This offer is only for non-profit LGBTQ+ performing arts organizations new to JSEF.
Q: My organization is not a band. Are we still eligible?
A: Yes! Any non-profit LGBTQ+ performing arts organization that are new to JSEF are eligible. This includes choral groups, orchestras, Cheer groups, theater companies, and more.
Q: How soon after we make our investment will we have the matching funds added to our account?
A: Funds will be added to your new JSEF account within 60 days of the receipt of the invested funds.
Q: What are the minimum and maximum amounts to receive the 35% match?
A: The minimum amount to receive the 30% match is $1,000. The maximum amount is $5,000. Larger investments are encouraged, but if your organization invests more than $5,000, you will earn the 35% match only on the first $5,000. That’s a maximum match of $1,500.
Q: Why is this promotion called “Drive for 35?”
A: The Jon Sims Endowment Fund was founded in 1989. 2024 is our 35th Anniversaries and we are celebrating by inviting new organizations to join the 16 non-profit LGBTQ+ performing arts groups which have helped secure their long-term financial future with investment accounts.
Q: How do we find out how our investment is performing?
A: JSEF issues quarterly statements containing financial updates. If at any point, you’d like to know the status of your investment, write to info@jsef.org.
Q: Once my group makes its investment, what will my group need to do?
A: We require that you include a JSEF logo and link to jsef.org on your web site. It would also be great if you mention your relationship with JSEF in concert programs and in correspondence to your constituents. There is also an annual “Accomplishments” form we will ask you to complete. This is your opportunity to share your successes from the previous year. From those answers, the JSEF Board will select one investing organization to win the “JSEF EXCELLENCE AWARD” which includes a $2,500 cash prize.
Q: How does the extended deadline for this program work”
A: We understand that endowing funds with a group like JSEF is a complex decision for most organizations. That’s why we will have extended the “Drive For 35” deadline if your group signs a non-binding letter of intent to participate (LOI). Download a PDF of the LOI HERE.