Nebraska Community Theatre
                                       Foundation, Inc.                                                        
                          The dream to fund dreams is coming true...
                                                brochure

Foundations and Corporations are able to enjoy large tax breaks through philanthropy. Many are regulated by Federal law to only give to organizations with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. NACT is categorized as an Association at this time and under this structure can not accept these types of charity monies without a valid 501(c)(3). Also most of the grants Foundations award are to other Foundations. It was decided we needed to form a separate entity to accept these types of funds. And it would behoove us to have this entity be a Foundation.

As a nonprofit public benefit corporation it will be able to assist NACT and member Theatres that may not have nonprofit status by setting up fund accounts for them. The NCT Foundation, Inc. can be utilized as a pass through or conduit acting as a bridge by administering granted funds and endowments. This is the same principal Mid Nebraska Community Foundation in North Platte and the Nebraska Community Foundation in Lincoln
operates under. With a certified grant writer on staff, focused on Economic Development through Community Theatre, some wonderful dreams will be able to come true throughout Nebraska and beyond.

March 2006 The Nebraska Community Theatre Foundation, Inc. has been formed, advertised, paid for with donations and accepted by the state as a Corporation. The required Corporate organizational meeting has taken place. The 501(c)(3) application forms have been paid for by donations and submitted. The tax exempt designation letter from the IRS has been received and is on file. The 990 was filed November 15th, 2005. Required meetings have taken place. Sandy has completed her certification and grant writing has begun. The goal is for the process of accepting proposals from NACT and its member Theatres to be in place by the end of 2006.

The Nebraska Community Theatre Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit public benefit corporation securing financial support for the membership theatres of Nebraska Association of Community Theatres of Nebraska in operation since 1966. The Foundation bridges relationships with friends, corporations and other foundations interested in arts culture and economic development through the performing arts in rural Nebraska.

Our Vision

To provide a creative environment in the fine and performing arts that strengthens and broadens the intellectual and cultural horizons to advance the quality of cultural appreciation in rural Nebraska.

Our Mission

The Nebraska Community Theatre Foundation, Inc. encourages private financial support of the rural community theatres and arts centers from individuals, corporations and other foundations. It oversees the distribution of these gifts and of the interest earned from its endowed funds. With dedication to excellence and the broad spectrum of human values, to be constantly seeking new, innovative, and integrated skills and methods to discover and create art culture which transfers to both personal and community values. Gifts to the foundation add a margin of excellence over and above the appropriate level of state support and are not intended to replace state funds.

    To present diverse and high quality performing arts events for the entertainment, education and enlightenment of           communities throughout rural Nebraska

    To encourage and celebrate life-long learning in the arts

    To increase the quality of life for our rural Nebraska communities by being a proactive supporter of performing arts through theatre

    To be a community partner and support community arts organizations in performance opportunities through human and financial resources

Our Values

    We value Compassion and respond to needs with courtesy and compassionate action. We recognize and value the particular circumstances of each individual situation and respond with empathy and sensitivity.

    We value Respect and maintain confidentiality and privacy in all our activities. We treat people with the mutual respect we have gained through our responsibility to serve our vision.

    We value Dynamic Service and support all individuals who contact our Foundation. Using a proactive approach, we communicate to them the needed information and provide friendships and other natural support.

    We value Diversity & Self-Determination and believe that collaboration and teamwork make us stronger, and that cooperation is the key to achieving the goals of our mission. We welcome and are willing to assist people of all different backgrounds and cultures.

  We value Integrity & Accountability and resolve to maintain the highest standards of personal and organizational honesty in all our activities. We are dedicated to promoting public trust and a sense of confidence within the Foundation in order to stay true to our mission, vision and values.

    We value Effective & Efficient Stewardship and are committed to maximizing the value of our time, human and capitol resources, and in-kind contributions. We pledge to use these valuable investments wisely in pursuit of our vision and mission.

    We value Professionalism & Adaptability and strive towards leadership and excellence by sustaining the highest standards of management and operation. We are open to change and encourage innovative ideas and new ways of doing things, responsive to the needs of our Foundation's community.

Nebraska Community Theatre Foundation, Inc.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I
NAME/REGISTERED OFFICE

The name of this corporation shall be: Nebraska Community Theatre Foundation, Inc.
The corporation's registered office is located at: Box 111 Thedford, Nebraska 69166.

ARTICLE II
PURPOSE

This corporation is a Public Benefit Corporation organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now enacted or hereafter amended, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that also qualify as Section 501(c)(3) exempt organizations. To this end, the corporation shall provide a creative environment in the fine and performing arts that strengthens and broadens the intellectual and cultural horizons to advance the quality of cultural appreciation in Nebraska through fund raising and grant making. All funds, whether income or principal, and whether acquired by gift or contribution or otherwise, shall be devoted to said purposes.

ARTICLE III
LIMITATIONS

At all times the following shall operate as conditions restricting the operations and activities of the corporation:

1. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to any member of the corporation not qualifying as exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now enacted or hereafter amended, nor to any Director or officer of the corporation, nor to any other private persons, excepting solely such reasonable compensation that the corporation shall pay for services actually rendered to the corporation, or allowed by the corporation as a reasonable allowance for authorized expenditures incurred on behalf of the corporation;

2. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall constitute the carrying on of propaganda or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, or any initiative or referendum before the public, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including by publication or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office; and

3. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as now enacted or hereafter amended.

4. The corporation shall not lend any of its assets to any officer or director of this corporation [unless such loan program is regularly conducted as part of the activities of the organization and the qualification of the individual to participate in same is determined by a panel comprised solely of non-Board members], or guarantee to any person the payment of a loan by an officer or director of this corporation.

The corporation shall have no voting members. The management and affairs of the corporation shall be at all times under the direction of a Board of Directors, whose operations in governing the corporation shall be defined by statute and by the corporation's by-laws. No Director shall have any right, title, or interest in or to any property of the corporation.

ARTICLE V
DEBT OBLIGATIONS AND PERSONAL LIABILITY

No member, officer or Director of this corporation shall be personally liable for the debts or obligations of this corporation of any nature whatsoever, nor shall any of the property of the members, officers or Directors be subject to the payment of the debts or obligations of this corporation.

Upon the time of dissolution of the corporation, assets shall be distributed by the Board of Directors, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all debts, obligations, liabilities, costs and expenses of the corporation, for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

ARTICLE VII
INCORPORATOR

The incorporator of Nebraska Community Theatre, Inc. is: Registered Agent; Sandra M. Booth, Box 111, Thedford Nebraska 69166

The undersigned incorporator certifies both that she executes these Articles for the purposes herein stated, and that by such execution, she affirms the understanding that should any of the information in these Articles be intentionally or knowingly misstated, she is subject to the criminal penalties for perjury set forth in Nebraska Statutes as if this document had been executed under oath.

________________________________Sandra M. Booth___________7/01/2005________________ signature date

Nebraska Community Theatre Foundation, Inc.
BY-LAWS

ARTICLE I
NAME AND PURPOSE

The name of this corporation shall be Nebraska Community Theatre Foundation, Inc. a Nebraska non-profit, public-benefit corporation, which hereinafter is designated "the Foundation". The Foundation shall operate as a tax-exempt charity for the benefit of community theatres and other fine and performing arts projects that strengthen and broaden the intellectual and cultural horizons to advance the quality of cultural appreciation primarily in rural Nebraska.

ARTICLE II
PRINCIPAL OFFICE

The address of the initial registered office and the name of the initial registered agent of the corporation at such address are set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation. The corporation may, from time to time, designate a different address as its registered office or a different person as its registered agent, or both; provided, however, that such designation shall become effective upon the filing of a statement of such change with the Secretary of State of the State of Nebraska as is required by law.

ARTICLE III
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1: Powers

The business and affairs of the corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful acts.

Section 2: Number

The Articles of Incorporation provide an indefinite number of Directors, the exact number to be fixed by a by-law or amendment thereof. Pursuant thereto, the authorized number of Directors shall be set or changed by a formal motion adopted by a 2/3 vote of the current actual number of Directors.

Section 3: Composition, Appointment, and Term of Office

The Board shall consist of the Directors appointed by a 2/3 vote at a meeting of the Board to serve until his or her resignation, removal, or death. The original Corporation registered agent shall have input to the Board but no voting power and will serve until her resignation or death.

Section 4: Meetings

The Board shall meet at least once in each calendar quarter, at dates, times, and places as set by the adoption of a formal motion. The Board shall also meet upon call by the President of the Board with three days notice to each member of the Board.

Section 5: Quorum

A majority of the actual number of appointed Board shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the Board present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present shall be regarded as an act of the entire Board unless a greater number be required by law or by these by-laws.

Section 6: Approval of Minutes

The transactions at any meeting of the Board, however called and noticed or wherever held, shall be deemed valid if each of the Board not present approves in writing the minutes of such meeting. All such approval shall be made a part of the affected minutes of the meeting.

Section 7: Board Action Without a Meeting

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board under any provision may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board shall individually or collectively consent in writing to such action. Such written consent or consents in writing to such action shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of such Directors.

ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS

Section 1: Officers

The officers of the Foundation shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. No one person may hold more than three offices.

Section 2: Election

The officers shall be chosen annually by the Board at its first meeting of the calendar year. Each officer shall hold office for one year or until he or she shall resign, be removed or otherwise disqualified to serve, or his or her successor shall be elected and qualified.

Section 3: Removal and Vacancies

Any officer may be removed with or without cause, by a majority vote of the Board at any time. Vacancies from any cause may be filled by appointment by the Board without delay. The President may temporarily appoint an officer, who shall serve only until the Board can meet and act to fill a vacancy; such a temporary officer shall not have any signature authority on behalf of the Foundation.

Section 4: President

The President shall be the executive officer of the Foundation and, subject to the control of the Board, shall have general supervision, direction and control of the affairs of the Foundation. He shall preside at all meetings of the Board.

Section 5: Vice-President

In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-President shall perform all duties of the President and when so acting shall have the powers of and be subject to the restrictions upon the President.

Section 6: Secretary

The Secretary shall keep a book of minutes of all meetings of the Board, with the time and place of holding, how called or authorized, the notice thereof give, the names of those Directors present at Board meetings, and the proceedings thereof. In addition, the Secretary shall give notice of the meetings to the Board; submit to the Directors any matters requiring their attention; and, at such times as may be required, present to the Board reports on the affairs of the Foundation. The Secretary shall maintain all non-fiscal records of the Foundation and ensure that all required correspondence and other non-fiscal notices are prepared and mailed.

Section 7: Treasurer

The Treasurer shall keep and maintain adequate and correct books of account showing the receipts and disbursements of the Foundation, and an account of its cash and other assets, if any. Such books of account shall at reasonable times be open to inspection by any Director. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the Foundation only as may be ordered by the Board, and shall render to the President or the Board, upon request, statements of the financial condition of the Foundation.

Section 8: Assistants

The Board may contract with non-Directors to perform the routine tasks of Secretary or Treasurer under the supervision of those officers. A reasonable fee may be paid to those assistants providing they are retained as independent contractors and not as employees of the Foundation.

ARTICLE V
GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Section 1: Policies

For the efficient and effective governance and administration of the Foundation, the Board shall establish such written policies as the Directors deem appropriate. Without amending these by-laws, these policies shall be established by formal motions approved at meetings of the Board. A copy of each policy shall be attached to the minutes of the meeting when it is approved; another copy shall be kept in a Policy Book maintained by the Secretary.

Section 2: Administrative Committees

The Board shall create such permanent and temporary committees as the Directors deem necessary for the efficient and effective administration of the Foundation.

A permanent committee shall be created only by the formal establishment of a policy that describes the purpose and composition of that committee. A permanent committee shall be discharged and dissolved when the Board adopts a motion to repeal the policy creating the committee.

A temporary committee shall be created by the adoption of a formal motion by the Board. A temporary committee is automatically discharged and dissolved at the Board’s first meeting of the calendar year unless a new motion continuing the committee is adopted at that meeting.

When the Board creates a new committee, it shall specify — either in a policy for a permanent committee or in a motion for a temporary committee — how the members and the chairman of the committee are appointed. Each administrative committee shall have at least one Director appointed, but non-Directors may also be appointed and may even chair the committee.

ARTICLE VI
BUSINESS AND FISCAL AFFAIRS

Section 1: Execution of Documents

The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Foundation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless so authorized by the Board of Directors, no officer, agent or other person shall have any power or authority to bind the Foundation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.

Section 2: Payments of Funds

No funds shall be paid or invested by the Foundation except by formal authorization by the Board. The Board may authorize the transfer of funds between Foundation accounts in the same financial institution upon a single signature of a person who need not be an officer. The Board may also authorize a person to transfer funds between Foundation accounts in the same financial institution via electronic funds transfers.

Section 3: Grants

Funds solicited from the Foundation by the public — including funds solicited by activity committees — shall be granted only in accord with formal policies adopted by the Board. Generally, these policies shall require a formal grant application and the review of that application by a Grants Committee. The Foundation shall not make grants for the purpose of advertising itself, but activity committees may make such grants from their own funds. Grants shall not be made to any individual by either the Foundation or any activity committee. The Foundation will accept donations from donors who wish to extend benefits beyond the Foundations Mission and such donations will be segregated from the general funds of the Foundation.

Section 4: Compensation

Trustees, officers, and committee members shall receive no compensation or stipend for their services. They may receive reimbursement for substantiated direct expenses as approved by the Board. Officials of an activity committee may receive reimbursement from their committee’s own funds for substantiated direct expenses as approved by the committee’s governing body.

Section 5: Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the Foundation shall be the calendar year.  

ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS

These by-laws may be amended, suspended, or repealed in whole or in part by a 2/3 vote of the actual number of Directors.

501(c)(3) Designation letter

Records