Due to Covid-19, Dream Big, like so many others, needed to suspend all in-person programming starting March 13. These actions had an immediate impact on our ability to generate revenue. While we were able to resume with in-person summer programming beginning in July, with the help of the PPP, EIDL, and The Chicago Community Foundation’s Arts Work Fund grant, the volume of programming needed to maintain the necessary costs of doing business, leave us with too wide a gap to overcome.

As we near the end of summer and round the corner into fall, we find ourselves at yet another crossroads. We cannot sustain ourselves any longer on earned program-generated revenue alone, as we have done for the past 15 years. We must now rely on development and fundraising efforts to withstand the tests of COVID and position us for a stronger future.

We are asking for your help in these unprecedented times. If you are able, all levels of funding support are greatly appreciated and will help keep Dream Big Education, Inc alive, serving youth as far south as Hyde park, as far north as Highland Park, and as far west as Naperville. Help us solidify our landmark status as the largest performing arts organization of its kind throughout the Chicagoland area, whose primary focus is educating youth through the creative, self-expressive, and collaborative-based vehicle of theater arts.

Opportunity to Shape our Future, Board and Committee Opportunities Community Email sent 9/24/20:
To continue with Dream Big we are reaching out to you, our community, to ask if you or anyone you know would be interested in being on the Board or special committees in the future.

We are in the process of finalizing a roadmap for the next 5 months, including future milestones, goals, and strategies for the next Board to modify in order to suit their vision and expertise and then put into action.

The first phase for new Board leadership would be to plan for the future of Dream Big and the second phase would be to support us as we resume operations. There are multiple capacities with varying degrees of time commitment to support this process. The Officer positions include a fiduciary responsibility. If you have any interest or know of someone that may be, please complete the survey below and/or feel free to forward.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JMY3GSM

 

Give the Gift of the Performing Arts

Thank you for considering a donation to the Dream Big Education Fund. Your support creates the opportunity for students to perform on stage, develop important life skills, and fulfill their dreams! Scholarships would not be possible without the generous support of people like you!

As of November 16, 2018 Dream Big Education has received 501 C 3 tax code per IRS.  Individual donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC Section 170. If you would like to contribute and help fund scholarships, please click the donate button below:

501c3 Announcement

Donate now
Your donation supports student scholarships for our Summer Production Camp, 1-Week Drama Camps, and After-School Programs as well as helps to fund educational residencies in schools.

 

Summer Production Scholarship Fund

Core to Dream Big’s mission is providing a way to include all kids who want to participate in our programming. Since our inception 15 years ago, we’ve never turned a student away due to lack of funds.

In 2018, we distributed over $15,000 worth of scholarships but only raised $4,200. This year, our goal is to raise another $15,000 for our Summer Production scholarship fund.

**If you are seeking a scholarship for your child, please contact us at admin@dreambigeducation.org.

 

Program Ad Space Available

Please let us know if you are interested in purchasing ad space for the 2021 Shrek the Musical Jr production program.  All full-page ads include a social media shout-out.

  • Become an Ogre of a sponsor!
    –  $2500 (Only 1 Available)
    –  Includes a full-page, color, back-cover ad and an 8-10 person box at this summer’s production
    of Shrek the Musical Jr.
  • Black and White Ads
    –  Full-Page $500
    –  Half-Page $250
    –  Quarter-Page $150

If you would like to purchase program ad space, email your high resolution full, half, or quarter-page ad to Admin@dreambigeducation.org. Please also include the following details:

  • First and Last Name
  • Company Name, if applicable
  • Phone Number
  • Best Contact Email Address
  • Camper’s name that referred you
  • and Complete payment below

Choose Ad Size and Type


In Kind Donation Requests

In addition to ads, we are seeking the following in-kind donations:

  • Arts & crafts materials
  • Small bouquets of flowers for purchase at performances
  • Food and desserts for cast party
  • Auction donations for silent auction fundraiser at cast party
  • Raffle prizes
  • Audio equipment including lapel microphones
  • Building materials for set
  • Costume fabric and materials
  • Paint
  • Printing
  • Professional photography/videography
  • Other

 

Please contact us at admin@dreambigeducation.org with any questions or comments about donating to Dream Big.