SAVE FREEWILL
TO BE OR NOT TO BE
Freewill’s future is at risk. The COVID shutdown and a three-year relocation from the Heritage Amphitheatre have severely impacted our budget. Despite our best efforts to adapt, we face reduced government grants, lost corporate sponsorships, and shrinking audience attendance as we’ve been out of our home at Hawrelak Park.
Since its founding in 1989, Freewill has been nurturing emerging artists, providing high-quality theatre, and making classical theatre more accessible. Our summer programming has been a cornerstone of Edmonton’s cultural scene and we couldn’t have made it to last year’s 35th anniversary without the support of our community! We’ve seen reductions in programming at festivals such as Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach and the cancellation of Calgary’s Shakespeare in the Park, and we don't want Freewill to face the same fate.
We are launching a fundraising campaign to raise $150,000 by the end of this year’s festival. This amount, about 20% of our annual budget, is crucial to our return to Hawrelak Park in 2026. Without this funding, we cannot continue to provide the performances that have been a staple of Edmonton's summer festivals.
Please don’t let this venerable summer festival fade away. Your donation, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
Make a tax-deductible donation today by visiting Crowdfunding Alberta.
Help pave our way back to the Park!
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WHY SUPPORT THE ARTS?
Embracing Innovation
The future of art requires imagination and a willingness to embrace innovation. This includes adapting to new technologies, implementing sustainable and accessible practices, and, in the case of Freewill, continuing to create art when we are removed from our usual home of Hawrelak Park.
Creating Opportunities
In a year, Freewill employs over 50 artists to create our shows. Over 40% of our budget goes toward paying those artists and professionals a competitive wage. Supporting initiatives that provide employment opportunities to local artists also contribute to the future of the arts.
Improving Our Community
In 2022-23, 70.3% of Albertans attend arts and culture events and 76.3% of Albertans feel that arts and culture make their communities a better place to live. Donating to the arts ensures more Albertans can improve their communities and that amazing arts and culture events can continue to be produced.
Giving for the Future
Philanthropy has a significant impact on the arts. Organizations and individuals who generously donate to the arts help ensure sustainability and growth, as many arts organizations, (Freewill included!) are charities and rely on donations to continue.
Supporting the Economy
The Arts industry brings in at least $5.6 Billion into Alberta. Edmonton specifically accounts for more than ⅓ of the arts organizations in Alberta, with approximately 35-50,000 Edmontonians who get all or part of their earnings from creative economy work. a healthy life.
MONTHLY DONATIONS
Why donate monthly? Your monthly contribution provides more stable support, ensuring consistent funding for ongoing operations and better financial planning, which helps us continue to provide high-quality Shakespearean performances and cultural enrichment for the Edmonton community.
The Generous Giver!
$35/month
In a year, your donation provides 12 tickets to those who can’t afford it, allowing individuals and families who may face financial barriers to experience the magic of live theatre.
Also, as we celebrate our 35th anniversary, commemorate this milestone with a meaningful donation.
Keep the Lights On!
$50/month
In a year, your donation supports valuable day-to-day operational costs, such as venue and office rentals, equipment maintenance, costume and set design, and more, ensuring that we can continue to do what you love most - producing accessible Shakespeare productions to the Edmonton community.
For the Readers!
$64/month
In a year, your donation provides a pair of printed programs for each performance. These programs, a mainstay of Freewill productions, provide valuable production insights serve as keepsakes for many and provide local businesses with advertising opportunities.
The Thesbian!
$84/month
In a year, your donation "adopts" one actor for all of our performances, showing your commitment to the enduring legacy of the arts and the dedicated individuals who bring Shakespeare to life on stage. You become an invaluable patron of the arts, sustaining the creative spirit of our productions.
LEGACY DONATION
Did you know that 'philanthropy' means 'love of humankind'? Share that love of humankind by honouring the legacy of a loved one by donating in honour of them to Freewill or plan for the future by including a bequest in your estate documents, like your will or life insurance. There are 1.5 million Canadians alive today who have planned bequests to charities. If you would like to discuss a legacy gift with us, we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to email us at dev@freewillshakespeare.com anytime.
You can also set up your very own Endowment Fund to support Freewill or donate to an existing Endowment Fund!
If you are interested in including a bequest in an estate document, it is always recommended that you obtain legal advice from a licensed lawyer in your province to ensure that your wishes are properly expressed and will be respected.
Legal name and address:
Free Will Players Theatre Guild
12122 68 Street NW
Edmonton, AB, T5B 1R1
Canadian Charity Number:
899549083RR0001
ENDOWMENT FUND
We are pleased as punch that Mary-Ellen Perley, long-time board member and Friend of Freewill, has set up an endowment fund in support of FWP through the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF). If you are interested in contributing to the long-term sustainability of our festival, you can donate to Mary-Ellen’s fund through the ECF website.
What is an Endowment Fund?
Endowment Funds are set up in collaboration with the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) to ensure their investments are set up for long-term growth. Endowment funds offer permanent investment of charitable gifts to provide ongoing support to organizations in the Edmonton community.
