DONATION FAQs

Help Keep Art in Session

  • The Old School House Arts Centre is a non-profit arts centre that relies on donations from individuals and businesses to sustain the vision we are committed to: providing meaningful art engagement to residents and visitors of the Central Vancouver Island region. We believe art is essential to a vibrant community. The artists, teachers, students, musicians, and volunteers who belong to this house bring limitless potential to our region.

  • Like all arts organizations in Canada, The Old School House Arts Centre was financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization does not have a history of public funding. Consequently, the organization did not qualify for federal or provincial government relief funding and relied on cash in hand to make it through. This strain, combined with the rising cost of goods and labour and building maintenance needs, has placed the organization in a precarious financial position.

  • Most arts organizations in British Columbia are non-profit societies that receive donations from all three levels of government (local, provincial, and federal) to supplement earned revenue and money raised through private fundraising efforts. On Vancouver Island, many municipal and regional governments support arts and culture through some kind of grant funding program.

  • Businesses of all sizes can support the work at The Old School House Art Centre through donations or sponsorship. Power your impact in the community, benefit from this social good, and receive a tax receipt (for donations) or naming and marketing opportunities (for sponsorship). We welcome all conversations from businesses looking to make an impact in their community, or partner on exciting and mutually beneficial programming.

    Gifts over $25 receive:
    • A tax receipt, to the amount allowable and in accordance with regulations set, by Revenue Canada
    • A thank you letter acknowledging what your gift means to the organization

    Gifts over $2,000 also receive:
    • Recognition on our website and in newsletters

  • The Town of Qualicum Beach owns the historic building that houses the art centre. A lease agreement sets out the parameters of The Old School House Arts Centre tenancy. Under the lease, the Town charges The Old School House Arts Centre a leasing fee, which is less than market value. The Old School House Arts Centre is responsible for the interior costs of maintenance. The Town of Qualicum Beach maintains the grounds around the building, such as gardening and snow removal. Historically, there has been no fee for service (for example, to cover the cost to coordinate interior maintenance). 

  • The Old School House Arts Centre is a registered non-profit charity and as such can issue tax receipts for donations over $25. The Old School House Arts Centre is governed by the laws of the BC Society’s Act, and as such has a Board of Directors.

  • We can issue a tax receipt for donations over $25. For those individuals who would like to discuss giving over $5,000, please speak to staff about recognition opportunities.

  • Please continue to visit The Old School House Arts Centre and tell friends and family about our programming and exhibitions. Please ensure our government leaders are aware of how valuable the organization is to the community, and the vital importance of supporting arts in our country.