Play to the Crowd has announced that a second grant-making trust has extended its support of the charity by way of a considerable grant towards its current refurbishment project.
The arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers appealed to long-standing supporter, The Backstage Trust – which offers grants to organisations with a focus on the performing arts – for essential funding to complete crucial upgrades to the theatre’s downstairs Stalls toilets, to prevent closure of the venue – and is pleased to report that The Backstage Trust awarded an incredible £25,000.
The Stalls toilets project is a vital investment in the theatre building, ensuring the current, outdated facilities are brought up to scratch. New facilities are vital to protect the theatre’s future. Forgoing extensive refurbishment would, at best, see the need for continual short-term maintenance solutions, leading to unavailable cubicles and additional costs to the charity; and at worst, result in the closure of the building and significant losses, which could have a devastating effect on the venue’s future.
The charity’s appeal to The Backstage Trust highlighted the need to improve audience experience and increase inclusivity by way of more cubicles for all – while retaining the current women’s and men’s toilets; enhance environmental sustainability with water-saving and energy efficient features; and support the theatre’s financial stability.
Play to the Crowd is overjoyed with The Backstage Trust’s heartfelt donation and can also report that the trust has set the charity an exciting fundraising challenge.
If the public or another donor can help Play to the Crowd raise an additional £10,000 in new funding via its Crowdfunder, The Backstage Trust’s Trustees will award the charity a further grant of £10,000.
This support is invaluable since Play to the Crowd is running a public appeal for the toilet project, which aims to raise £100,000 towards the final phase of the refurbishment. Anyone who is interested in donating to the appeal can do so here, or contact Becca Moore, Fundraising Manager: becca@playtothecrowd.co.uk or 01962 673 746.
The Crowdfunder aims to raise £30,000 towards the £100,000 total, which this sizeable grant from The Backstage Trust will help to complete.
The Backstage Trust has been an ongoing supporter of the charity, Play to the Crowd, and their generous grant towards the toilets project and match funding challenge marks the third occasion they have backed the charity – the first during the theatre’s foyer refurbishment in 2019; then a significant contribution to the charity’s Survival Appeal during the pandemic in 2020, which ensured that it could continue to bring live performance and creative engagement to the community during a challenging time.
Fundraising Manager, Becca Moore, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to The Backstage Trust for their support at this crucial stage. Their generosity gives a huge boost to our Stalls toilets refurbishment, making the theatre more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Now we have the chance to unlock an extra £10,000 and we’re urging local people to get behind our appeal.
“Every donation really does count – now doubly so! And you can help finish this project and keep Theatre Royal Winchester safe from the real threat of closure.”
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