The John-Vincent Peter Copani Memorial Foundation for the Arts

Officers

The Inspiration

The John-Vincent Peter Copani Memorial Foundation for the Arts (The Memorial Foundation) is dedicated to the living memory of John-Vincent Peter Copani and all our creative loved ones who have lived with cancer or AIDS. Their untimely passing is The Memorial Foundation's inspiration. Please read the Dedication.

John P. D'Esposito - President Leonie Matuzzio - Vice President Rafael Diaz - Vice President Jonathan Schaefer - Secretary Robert Arcaro - Officer

Purpose

The Memorial Foundation for the Arts is a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to the creation of a continuous funding source for nonprofit Performing Arts Production Companies. Every year since its inception in 1995, The Memorial Foundation's staff of volunteers, work hard to raise funds for the Annual Memorial Grant Awards (AMGA)

The Annual Memorial Grant Awards (AMGA)

The AMGA are direct cash grants awarded annually to nonprofit Performance Arts Companies to encourage future productions. The AMGA celebrates the lives of all our creative friends who have lived with AIDS or cancer. The Foundation's mission is to nurture and keep the performing arts vital and alive. The AMGA nominations are anounced on January 13th and awarded on March 10th annually. Click here to see the past AMGA winners. 1996 AMGA:28 grants up to $1000. 1997 AMGA 32 grants up to $3000. 1998 AMGA 50 grants up to $5000. 1999 AMGA 52 grants up to $5000.

Spokesperson

Peter Copani

Financial Advisor

Michael Seeherman

Honory Board

Arthur Cantor Frank Carucci David Diamond Mario Fratti Holly Hill John Glines Wynn Handman Patrick Latronica Joshua Lehrer David Lee Roth Theresa Saldana Joseph Tiraco Lily Turner

How Is The Memorial Foundation Funded?

1. The Memorial Foundation relies on the generosity of caring people who want to help keep the memory of their loved ones and the Performing Arts alive! 2. Audience Extras, The Memorial Foundation's primary sponsor, contributes its proceeds to support the AMGA. 3. AE members also contribute to the AMGA. 4. Peter Copani's book proceeds. 5. Proceeds from Ptolemology readings. Currently The Foundation is looking for partners to support the AMGA. All finacial contributions or programs that assist the AMGA are essential in fulfilling the Legacy to the Performing Arts.

Applying for an AMGA

Unlike most grant giving organizations, there are no long complicated forms to file when applying for an AMGA. Nonprofit Performing Arts Production Companies must meet just two criteria to be considered for an AMGA. 1. Furnish The Foundation with a copy of its 501-C proving nonprofit status. 2. Furnish The Foundation, in writing, a discription of the project(s) in the works for the upcoming season. Qualifying nonprofit Performing Arts Companies may then be nominated for an AMGA.

AMGA Nomination Process

There are two ways a qualifying nonprofit Performing Arts Company can be nominated to receive an AMGA. 1. The NOMINATE & FUND program is inspired by those Performing Arts Companies who use Audience Extras often or exclusively. AE nominates nonprofit Performing Arts Companies for an AMGA and also provides funds to support the nomination. 2. A letter of "recommendation" from an established, respected or accomplished New York commercial producer mailed or faxed to The Memorial Foundation can also be used to nominate a qualifying company. Individuals who have seen a particular performance may nominate that show, a performer or director for a special recognition award.

Acknowledgements

"The Foundation's consistent commitment to the Theatre will help assure that we remain able to meet our financial and ultimately our artistic goals." - Julie K. D'Andrea, Insitutional Giving, The Roundabout Theatre. "We deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness, time and effort put forth by all of the volunteer workers at The Memorial Foundation in their work to support the nonprofit performing arts companies." - David D. Holbrook, President, The Joyce Theatre. "In this time of decreasing arts funding, awards such as the AMGA help us build a bridge between our artistic ideals and financial realities. Additionally, this award came as a surprise financial boost at a very important time for the theatre. Thank you." - Eric Nightengale, Producing Director, 78th Street Theatre Lab. "Your generosity will allow our theatre company to continue to develop and produce Off-Broadway plays and pursue charitable endeavors. We are most grateful to you and have expressed our gratitude by listing the Foundation among our donors in our showbill and on our website." - Nelson S. Andino, Treasurer, Do Gooder Productions. "We are honored and humbled that the presentation of your award is being made as a memorial to those who have lived with cancer and AIDS." - William Lynch, Director of Development, The Irish Repertory Theatre.

All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Major credit cards are accepted, www.jvpcmemorialfoundation.org. The Memorial Foundation for the Arts Post Office Box 1131 New York, NY 10010-1131

The John-Vincent Peter Copani Memorial Foundation for the Arts is an independent nonprofit charitable organization. A copy of its latest annual report may be obtained from the Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.