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Since 1900, long before social media, television, or even the radio, Kansas City knew something special was about to happen when the lighted ball rose above the Folly Theater. Glowing high above the city, its shining lights signaled the doors were open, the stage was set, and a shared experience was about to happen. Its light could be seen across the city, guiding audiences towards music, laughter, and unforgettable performances. For generations, this historic beacon has brought people together,
welcoming neighbors, travelers, and friends into one space to experience the magic of live performance.

Today, that light still shines because of you.

For more than a century, the Folly has provided access to the arts for the Kansas City community, and that remains true today. Our mission is rooted in connection, honoring our history while lighting the way for new artistic experiences. By presenting diverse, high-quality programming, our historic stage creates a space that expands perspectives and connects people through shared moments.

The light doesn’t stop at the Folly Theater; partnerships with UMKC, Hope Kids, the Crossroads Academy, and Title I schools extend the reach of the Folly’s live performance to future generations, sparking creativity, nurturing young artists, and deepening a love for Kansas City’s vibrant arts community. For many young audiences, the Folly may be their first opportunity to experience live theater.

Your support ensures the Folly is more than just a theater: it’s a place where stories are shared, artists are celebrated, and community comes to life. With your support, together, we can continue welcoming new audiences, sustain meaningful programming, and keep our historic beacon shining bright.

Will you continue to light the way for our community? 

Please consider becoming a monthly donor!

Ways to Support the Folly Theater

The Folly’s legal name is:  Performing Arts Foundation of Kansas City d/b/a Folly Theater.

The Folly has been a 501(c)(3) exempt charitable organization since 1965.  The Folly’s EIN (or federal tax identification number) is 43-6054615.

The Folly’s mailing address is:  Folly Theater, 114 West 11th Street, Suite 150, Kansas City, MO  64105.

Support the Folly experience today. Your generosity will ensure the Folly’s intimate performances are available to audiences now and for years to come. Please give generously.  Your tax-deductible contribution will help maintain the Folly for future generations to enjoy.

Consider being a monthly donor! A recurring gift of $10, $20, $50, $100, or another amount helps maintain our historic building and create performance memories year-round! Want more information? Contact Brian Williams at 816-768-6886 or [email protected].

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Tax Benefits of Making Qualified Charitable Distributions From Your IRA Account

A Qualified Charitable Distribution, or QCD, from your traditional IRA account or employer-sponsored retirement account has several significant tax benefits for people age 70 ½ or older. Consult your tax advisor to determine whether a QCD is right for you. Normally, distributions from a traditional IRA or employer-sponsored retirement account are taxable when received. Not only are these distributions taxable, they can also bump you up into a higher tax bracket. Higher taxable income may also have a negative impact on your Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Beginning at age 73, taxpayers are required to start withdrawing money each year from their traditional IRAs, employer-sponsored retirement accounts, and IRA-based plans such as SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs. The IRS has very specific rules about how to calculate the amount of your Required Minimum Distribution, or RMD, each year. However, the IRS allows taxpayers to give up to $100,000 each year directly to a charity from their IRA or employer-sponsored retirement account. This Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) can satisfy all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution without increasing your taxable income. A QCD may also reduce the amount of your RMD in future years, which are calculated, in part, based on the fund balance in your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement account.

Again, consult your tax advisor to determine whether a QCD is right for you.

Click here to learn more about IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions

Arts supporters: Put your name down in history! Announcing the Folly’s Seat Naming Campaign! As a part of our endowment efforts, which has surpassed $2.5 million thus far, this initiative allows individuals and companies to write their name down in history (and metal) and show their support of the Folly Theater and the growth of the arts in Kansas City. We have a bit to go to reach our second phase goal of five million dollars, but that can be done with your support!

A Folly Theater seat, inscribed with your name, a loved one’s name, your business, or in memoriam, creates a lasting legacy. Your tax-deductible contribution to name a seat will be celebrated by family, friends, peers, and the community. Most importantly, your contribution ensures the sustainability of the Folly to serve many generations yet to come.

Ready to put your name down in Kansas City history as a pillar of society? Give us a call! Reach out to Brian Williams, Director of Development, by phone at 816-768-6886 ext. 102 or email him. He will gladly walk you through the process, your options, and even tour the seats with you so you know where your seat will sit in history.

You can also download the full booklet of information here. If you already know the section you want (broken down in the map below), fill out this form and email it to Brian Williams, [email protected], or mail it to 114 W. 11th St., Suite 150, Kansas City, MO 64105. Brian will contact you soon to start the process.

Below is the map of seats and commitment level for each section.

Please consider leaving a legacy to the Folly Theater buy including this iconic cultural treasure in your estate planning documents.  If you wish to name the Folly as a beneficiary of your will or trust, IRA, or insurance policy, the Folly’s legal name is Performing Arts Foundation of Kansas City d/b/a Folly Theater.  The Folly is a 501(c)(3) exempt charitable organization and its EIN (or federal tax identification number) is 43-6054615.  The Folly’s mailing address is 114 West 11th Street, Suite 150, Kansas City, MO  64105.  If you have any questions or would like to discuss specific details about your charitable intentions for your legacy, please contact Brian Williams, Folly Development Director, at (816) 768-6886, or Rick Truman, Folly CEO and President, at (816) 768-6885.