Yesterday, I went to the bank and actually opened a business checking account for The Ostranders! This feels like such a big moment in our history...but it's just a checking account, right? Well, yes... and no. For the past 36 years, The Ostrander Awards have existed as a line-item under ArtsMemphis. ArtsMemphis appointed our directors and donated a small stipend to cover hard expenses for the director, but we certainly were not part of the "mission" or "vision" for their organization. Since we weren't our own organization, fundraising was limited and it has been unclear how the organization can flourish in the future.
So, one baby step was to open our checking account! Last December, we filed for our non-profit corporation status with the state of Tennessee and the next step is to file for our 501(c)3 tax-exempt status with the IRS. Thanks to many of you and your generous support of the Ostranders, we can pay that filing fee and make plans to serve the Memphis-area theatre community for the NEXT 36 years!
We hope you are all staying safe and well in this crazy time. We can't wait to see you at the theatre again!