Donate

Support SweetWater Today and Tomorrow

SweetWater relies on the generous annual support from individuals, businesses, music groups, musicians, volunteers, string instrument makers, advertisers, government funders (federal, provincial, municipal), and private foundations.

Help to bring the music alive at SweetWater. Your contribution (donations, volunteering, concert patron) allows us to offer one of Ontario's finest classical, jazz and contemporary music festivals and provide community outreach and education. Thank you!

Donate

Your donations fund the September Festival, other concerts, community outreach initiatives, education programs, and ongoing operations. You can also support one of our endowed funds. Remember, you will receive a tax receipt for any contribution to SweetWater. Thank you!

If you want to direct a donation to one of our endowed funds, be sure to indicate on a note or within an email or online message while making your donation. 

Anonymous donations and donations by installments can be arranged by request.

Charity tax receipts are issued annually in January sent via email as PDF. If you want a hard copy receipt posted, please let us know. 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SWEETWATER!

Charitable Registration Number: 85087 4389 RR0001

E-TRANSFER

Make a donation by sending it via e-transfer to sweetwatermusicfestival@gmail.com directly from your bank account. 

Note: Your full donation goes to SweetWater - no processing fees.

MAIL

Send your cheque payable to:
SweetWater Music Festival,
Box 333, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 5P5

ONLINE

Fill in the form.

Why is your donation important?

SweetWater has an annual budget just over $120,000. A third is supported by grants from Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, other public funders, and various private foundations. The balance comes from ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and the generosity of our many donors.

SweetWater annually needs to raise over $46,000 from individual donors and corporate partners (sponsors).

How does your donation make a difference?

The funds raised support:

  • Artistic Fees: for performers and Artistic Director.

  • Accommodations & Hospitality: for all visiting performers.

  • Production Costs: for venues equipment rentals, insurance.

  • Marketing & Promotions: to inform people about the festival. 

  • Special Projects: for original composition commissions, community outreach and education.

  • Ongoing Operations: administration of key areas including production planning and financial management.

  • Endowed Funds: donations to one of these funds supports the future of SweetWater. 

What options are available as a donor?

There are various ways you can be a SweetWater supporter. Your contribution also has benefits.

Support A SweetWater Endowed Fund

Supporting one of our endowed funds is a great way to help fund the future of SweetWater. It promotes the sustainability of our festival for years to come. 

 

  • A gift to this fund supports the Artistic Direction and Development of SweetWater and honours our founding Artistic Director. It supports expenditures from the annual income of the fund on a perpetual basis. The fund is managed by the Ontario Arts Foundation and is eligible for matched funding from Heritage Canada. 

  • A gift to this fund supports flexible funding for all aspects of the SweetWater Music Festival. It allows us to access capital and income to adapt to challenges and respond to opportunities that arise over time. The fund is managed by the Ontario Arts Foundation. 

  • A gift to this fund supports the development of young music students. It supports expenditures from the annual income of the fund on a perpetual basis. The fund is managed by Community Foundation Grey Bruce. 

 

To donate to either the Mark Fewer Fewer Legacy Fund or SweetWater Sustainability Fund select a method from above that works best for you. To donate to the Jean Medley SweetWater Memorial Endowed Fund, choose the fund from the dropdown menu here. 

What is Planned Giving?

 

A Planned Gift is an easy and thoughtful way to ensure the future of SweetWater while maintaining financial security for yourself and your family during your lifetime. With a planned gift, your giving continues beyond your lifetime, to help SweetWater bring music that inspires, challenges, and connects to audiences in our region and beyond. 
If you are updating your will or life insurance:

  • A gift is easy to arrange.

  • It's a tax effective way to give.

  • The gift can take the form of a bequest in your will, a gift of life insurance, or a gift of securities.

  • You can direct your gift to the SweetWater endowment of your choice.

  • You can retain full control of your assets in your lifetime.

  • To find out more or to support one of our endowed funds, contact SweetWater by email or by phone 226 379 8413

Our primer will help you to learn more about planned giving.