Fundraising at the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C

This thesis describes the fundraising efforts over a 14-year period of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., which has one of the top 10 operating budgets of any chorus in the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, the national gay and lesbian chorus organization. The thesis considers individual, corporate, government and foundation sources of funds, and examines general support from the business sector as well as project support. The thesis discusses the work of the Capital Club, the chorus's fundraising group of friends and partners of chorus members, which contributes about 30 percent of the operating budget through dues and events. Although the chorus has never succeeded in attracting foundation support, a recent concert was sponsored by AT&T, the first time a national corporation has been a major patron. Much support comes from the local gay business community.