What is the 12.14 Foundation’s mission?

Our primary mission is to build and operate a landmark performing arts center in Newtown, CT. This facility will serve the dual purpose of memorializing and honoring those lost on December 14, 2012, and providing a venue that supports many forms of healing and positive change. The 12.14 Foundation is a growing group of individuals and organizations that share a vision of how great adversity can bring life to great accomplishments.

Is the 12.14 Foundation a legal operating entity?

Yes. We are organized as a Connecticut non-stock corporation. All filings are in place with the IRS and the Connecticut Attorney General, permitting the Foundation to operate as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

How much capital will the Foundation need to build the performing arts center venue?

We are currently working with Theatre Projects Consultants, a world-class theater projects consulting firm, to develop an end-to-end project plan and budget.  The ultimate project budget will be in the tens of millions of dollars. We are seeking to raise significant funds in 2013 to pay for marketing expenses, public relations, architectural fees, and preliminary construction.

How will the Foundation raise the needed capital?

Funds will be raised through corporate donations; from collateral contributions by endowments, trusts, charities and other non-profit organizations; and through donations by individuals and families. The 12.14 Foundation’s website provides a self-service donation capability, and is supported by social media and Big Data techniques to generate local, national and international awareness.

How will donations be allocated once the performing arts center is built and operating?

The ultimate goal of the performing arts center is for it to become financially self-sustaining. We believe it will take several years for the center to reach the cash break-even point. Until then, funds received by the Foundation will first be applied to cover any financial shortfalls, and a reserve will be established to cover unanticipated financial needs. As the facility approaches financial viability, the Foundation’s Board will distribute surplus funds to individuals and organizations based on needs that are consistent with the 12.14 charter. Examples of such needs include scholarships for students in the performing arts, donations to organizations specializing in mental health research, support for youth-related programs in Newtown and the surrounding area, support for local and national first-responder organizations, and individual support for families of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

How can I help the 12.14 Foundation achieve its goals?

There are several ways through which you can join the 1214 Foundation’s cause:

• Make a financial donation. You can use your credit/debit card to donate directly through our website. If you wish to make a donation of $5,000US or greater, we would ask that you contact us via email to arrange a bank wire transfer (this will eliminate the fees paid to third parties and ensure that your donation has the greatest possible impact).
• Put us on your website/blog. You can find We Support 12.14 Foundation graphic images here. By placing an image on your website/blog and adding a link to www.12.14foundation.org, you’ll let your visitors know you’re supporting an important social cause. Once you've placed the image on your site, send us an email with a link to the page on your site that contains the image – we will place a reciprocal link on our site that identifies your website/blog on our forthcoming Supporter's page. It’s our way of saying thank you for joining our cause.
• Contribute your time and expertise. The Newtown Theater Project is an ambitious undertaking that requires a diversity of expertise – from fund raising, to public communications, to building construction. If you have relevant expertise and want to donate time to the project, send us an email outlining your skills and ideas. We will get back to you quickly.

 

Where in Newtown will the performing arts center be located?

The proposed location for the venue is in the Fairfield Hills Campus in Newtown, off Exit 11 on I-84. Surrounded by rolling hills and pastoral views, it will be the centerpiece of a campus that will include a collection of restaurants and retail stores.

What will be the size and capacity of the performing arts center?

The performing arts center must accommodate a wide range of needs over many years.  To that end, we are currently working with the world's top theater consulting firm as well as media communication companies, talent agents, and promoters to determine the venue's size, capacity and layout specifications. A central theater will accommodate a wide range of uses and a smaller secondary theater will be slated for more intimate performances.  Additionally, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, practice facilities, and space for administrative offices are also planned.

What will be the primary uses of the performing arts center?

The center will be a multi-use facility intended to accommodate a variety of purposes, including:

• Live musical concerts ranging from local groups to internationally-recognized musicians.
• A wide variety of dance and musical performances.
• Practice space for local performing arts groups.
• A proposed home for Healing Newtown which is a town run arts organization.
• A national stage for public education on issues such as gun control and mental health issues.
• A facility for corporate conferences, presentations and events.
• A gathering place for local organizations, primarily those arising from the tragedy.  The venue is apolitical and we welcome all to discuss various issues.

What is the current status of the project?

We are assembling a broad community of local, national, and international organizations that are currently donating their expertise to the 12.14 Foundation on a pro bono basis. Examples include a renowned architectural firm, local and national law firms, a world-class theater project consulting firm (TPC), numerous entertainment industry experts, local accounting firms, and numerous organizations specializing in social media and internet-based communications.  We are finalizing the details of the venue with great care and anticipating its uses for many years to come.